The majority of items at the supermarket are convenience foods and yes, you pay for that luxury. My parents had a large garden, my mother canned, made all bread, cake, pies, etc. We only went to the market for meat, milk, cheese, fruit and other items that we couldn't get otherwise.
I think that it would be a good thing if people bought less prepared foods. There is an obesity problem in this country and it's fed by the food manufacturer's beliefs in high sodium, high sugar, additives, coloring and preservatives.