" I have been cooking vegan recipes for a long time, long before the release of my first cookbook, because in the rubbish old days of scraping by on mismanaged, delayed and suspended benefits, meat and dairy products were often just too expensive, in contrast to their kinder counterparts. "
- Jack Monroe

The speaker describes their long-standing practice of cooking vegan recipes well before they published a cookbook. They explain that during difficult times when they were managing meager resources due to delayed and suspended benefits, meat and dairy products were prohibitively expensive compared to plant-based alternatives.

Underneath the surface, this quote reveals several deeper meanings about socioeconomic conditions and personal resilience. The author highlights how economic constraints can influence dietary choices, suggesting that veganism is often a practical choice for individuals struggling financially rather than just a lifestyle or ethical preference. Additionally, the statement underscores the speaker's resourcefulness and adaptability in finding affordable and nutritious meals during challenging times. It also hints at a broader critique of social welfare systems and their impact on people’s ability to maintain a balanced diet.

Jack Monroe is an influential British writer and food activist known for her candid writing about poverty and financial struggles, as well as her expertise in vegan cooking and resourceful meal preparation. Her work often focuses on helping others save money while eating healthily and nutritiously, reflecting the themes she addresses in this quote.