Those stores are just generic supermarket chains. Vons actually went out of business here about 10 years ago, but they're still up north. They're not fancy organic stores or anything. They also have Safeway up north which my mom says used to be everywhere. I figured buying and carrying some unprocessed food would be cheaper than eating out all the time and lighter than canned food. I'm not sure how many pounds I could carry at one time without burdening myself unnecessarily, but I know 5 pounds of legumes and grains can go a long way here at home. I'll be doing a couple of weekend practice runs as soon as I'm done with college, which is in a week. That should help sort out any difficulties I have. For people who cook most of their own food, what kind of food do you buy? How much do you carry? How is it prepared? Or is the only way really to eat out most of the time?

Of course, I would buy something easy, fast, and tasty at a gas station like Cyclesafe suggested, but I wouldn't want to rely on that. I don't intend on setting out penniless. I have built up a saving, but I still like to see my dollar go a long way and I wouldn't want to miss out on the experience because I don't have a small fortune to spend.