Reading through an online discussion today about someone moving into a modest trailer home after escaping an abusive situation struck a deep chord. Their vulnerability in sharing their story and seeking advice reminded me of the incredible resilience people show in the face of adversity.

The thread quickly transformed into a masterclass in community support, with people offering practical solutions and encouragement. What stood out wasn’t just the advice, but the genuine warmth and understanding shown by complete strangers. While sitting in my comfortable home office in Brunswick, it made me reflect on how we often take basic necessities for granted.

Reading through online discussions about budget grocery shopping has stirred up memories of my early days of independent living. Back then, I made every rookie mistake in the book - shopping without a list, buying too much fresh produce that would eventually rot, and getting seduced by those “special offers” that weren’t really special at all.

These days, with inflation hitting hard and grocery prices soaring, smart shopping has become more crucial than ever. Walking through South Melbourne Market recently, I noticed how even the basic vegetables have nearly doubled in price compared to a few years ago. It’s enough to make anyone wince at the checkout.

Living through these times of rising costs has turned many of us into amateur economists, constantly calculating and comparing prices. The recent discussions about unit pricing and food-saving apps have got me thinking about how shopping strategies have evolved beyond the simple “buy in bulk” mentality of previous decades.

The Too Good To Go app has been making waves lately, particularly with Bakers Delight joining the platform. While picking up some heavily discounted sourdough from their Carlton store last week, I chatted with the staff about how much food typically gets wasted at closing time. It’s heartbreaking to think about perfectly good food ending up in landfill, especially when so many people are struggling with grocery bills.