Maria has a limited budget of $50 for groceries this week, but her family has an endless list of food items they want. How should she approach her grocery shopping in light of economic scarcity?

Maria faces economic scarcity because she has a limited budget of $50, but her family's food desires are greater than what she can afford. To manage this situation, she should prioritize the most essential items her family needs for the week, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins, while considering cheaper alternatives for other items. For example, if her family wants steak but it’s too expensive, she could choose chicken or beans instead, which are nutritious and more affordable. By making a list of priorities and sticking to it, Maria can ensure she buys the most important foods without exceeding her budget. This approach helps her understand that scarcity means making choices about what to buy based on limited resources.