“Recession pork chop,” pasta with ketchup, oatmeal three ways — all “recession meals” or recession-proof meals that look more like survival strategies than dinner. Sometimes you have to make something that looks disgusting but tastes just OK to get by. 

This minimalist cooking trend has become a metaphor for a generation quietly adjusting to economic pressure. As the cost of living rises, we are finding new ways to stretch their budgets.

But can the current financial situation be considered a recession? Colleen Doody, associate chair of DePaul’s history department, says “no.”

In the United States, Doody notes, a recession is generally defined as two consecutive quarters when the economy shrinks. In the first quarter of 2025, the gross domestic product, or GDP, decreased at an annual rate of 0.3%.

“If we see an economic contraction in the second quarter, then we’ll be in a recession,” Doody said.

Hannah Pink, DePaul sophomore studying psychology, said she still fears an eventual turn and is prepared for the worst. She says there has been a big shift in food prices, noticing fast food prices increasing by a dollar at a time. 

“I’m scared of a recession because of the recent conversations I’ve been having with my friends.,” Pink said. “And I’ve been seeing those TikTok videos going around where people are making meals for less and minimal amounts of food for dinner.”

“Recession meals” blew up on social media once Trump’s tariffs started driving up prices. My friends and I have been sharing cheap, low-effort recipes. We swap photos of other money saving hacks and we’ve been finding new ways to make easy money. Because when rent’s high and groceries feel like luxury items, every dollar counts.

It’s important to keep spending within your limits — but remember it’s OK to treat yourself. Wilson Devis, DePaul sophomore studying criminology, is trying to stay calm and hope for the best. He worries about not being able to afford his weekly groceries — but admits that it doesn’t stop him from getting the occasional coffee.

“Even with increasing prices within the market, it doesn’t seem to stop us from spending our money on goods that are not essential,” Devis said. 

It’s called a “soft landing” when the economy slows down, allowing inflation to fall, but avoids a recession. Right now, we’re floating right above a recession. 

After what Trump called “Liberation Day” on April 2, U.S. factories and retailers started feeling the squeeze. China’s response to 154% tariffs on its goods was immediate and harsh.They have no idea how long these tariffs will last or how high they’ll be.

“Without stability, it’s not clear the goal of enticing industries back will be particularly effective.” Doody said. “I’m also baffled at the blanket tariffs with major trading partners like Canada, which has the same sort of high wages and worker protections the U.S. does. Companies aren’t moving to Canada to escape expensive U.S. labor costs, so why slap a tariff on them?”

Workers and Wall Street alike have faced uncertainty under the Trump administration’s tariff policies, we’re all left guessing what might come next. 

The U.S. and China have since agreed to a 90-day pause in their ever-escalating trade war as of May 12. While China signals a revival through what its government calls “reform and opening-up or the Chinese Economic Miracle,” the U.S. may be inching in the opposite direction.

We must watch for classic recession indicators: shrinking GDP, rising unemployment, reduced manufacturing output and declining retail sales.

The U.S. may not be in a recession yet, but signs of strain are all around us. From rising grocery costs to cautious consumer spending. For many of us students living paycheck to paycheck, it already feels like a downturn. What’s important is to be prepared and stand together.

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