The speaker reflects on their childhood and the meals prepared by their grandmother, highlighting a sense of scarcity and resourcefulness. The grandmother would often save money on meat, mentioning how cheap it was while trying to ensure her family enjoyed the meal. This emphasizes the struggle of providing for a family on a tight budget and the pride that comes from cooking despite financial limitations.

The quote illustrates the tension between the desire for abundance and the reality of their circumstances. The grandmother's dedication to providing for her family, even with meager means, contrasts with the speaker's underlying disappointment about the lack of nourishment. The use of coins to symbolize their meals reveals a poignant commentary on the value placed on food and the sacrifices made in the name of familial love.