[calebbridge65485]

We moved to Lisbon recently and I thought groceries would be one of the easy savings. Local produce, bread, fish, and basics can be reasonable. But our kids keep asking for American cereal, peanut butter, certain crackers, ranch dressing, mac and cheese, and school snacks. Imported items are expensive and I keep buying them because everyone is homesick. Did food become an emotional spending category for other families?

[anagarden18413]

Yes. Imported snacks were basically therapy for the first two months. I bought ridiculous things because the kids were sad and I was tired. Eventually we made a comfort-food shelf and limited it. Lisbon became cheaper when we stopped trying to recreate our U.S. pantry.

[harperfield26346]

The first grocery bill after a homesick week is humbling.

[Author]

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