Don't folks have staples?

I would wonder if folks do not have some staple goods, such as flour and sugar and peanut butter, that they could surely use beyond one week and not have to buy each week. (This question came from Norma.)

Some would, and some wouldn't. When I accompanied a photographer on a tour of cupboards and refrigerators in ten low-income homes, we saw little in the way of staples. One had corn starch. Two had some salad dressing.
When stretching to cover the immediate meals, it can be hard to come up with the extra $1.50 or $2 for something you might use awhile later.
Those fleeing domestic violence start from scratch on everything. That is why we suggest trying this experience without using any food you already have.
However, some people fall on hard times from better circumstances and could have some staples & seasonings on hand. Perhaps you want to use some of your Challenge days to recognize domestic violence situations and some to recognize better circumstances. It's up to you. Adjust accordingly.
Peanut butter might not last long enough to be considered a staple. But as you may be suggesting, for some people, it might last longer than a week.