I think the problem is most Americans eat way too much meat. In many cultures the amount of meat is quite small and/or quite infrequently. You can get your supply of protein much cheaper and using less resources from plant based proteins - see Frances Moore Lappee's (not sure of the spelling) Diet for a Small Planet which was a revolutionary book when it first appeared. Until recently animals were not raised in these factory situations where the treatment is inhumane; families raised a few animals for slaughter and people hunted. Here in MI I know a lot of folks wo still get their deer or two during season and that is their meat for the year. Yes organic, free range is expensive but if it becomes and occasional thing it is affordable.
