As a B.C. Costco cracks down on its food court, is there anywhere truly cheap left to eat?

It's not easy to find an inexpensive meal these days, especially if you're feeding a family and especially if you're on the go.

It could cost you $50 to get four full meals at McDonald's . A KFC family bucket meal costs around $45 before tax. Even four plain hotdogs from a road-side chip truck could cost you upwards of $30.

Family packs at Swiss Chalet start at $39.99. A single burrito from Mucho Burrito is $12.45.

It's tough out there. But for decades, for so many, there's been a thrifty oasis of sorts — tucked in a bulk warehouse, wrapped in foil and served with a fountain drink.

The Costco food court in downtown Vancouver is seen on Monday. Technically, the Costco food court has always been for members only, but the policy hasn't always been strictly enforced. (Ben Nelms/CBC)