I think we can all agree these players deserve to get more than they're currently receiving.
I don't know how much these guys should be getting paid because I don't know how much time they're actually working and/or training, but I feel like at least $100/day or $20/hr would be a fair wage. And I don't think that's asking too much from the owners for players that will potentially be moving up through the system for an organization. Reading stuff like this article makes me sick.
That being said, I have been between jobs before living on a budget and there are ways to get by but you have to make some sacrifices. Rice, beans, tortillas, cheese, meat. Maybe cheap fast food but rarely. Good bye soda, hello water. Even today, Sam's club has a 2 pound pack of variety cheese for $10, and 36oz of charcuterie meat for $12 that could probably last me a week if need be.
Even now having a job and plenty of money, I would be damned to flush $20-$25 down the toilet for a meal from stupid UberEats or DoorDash and I don't have any sympathy for anyone that does. The entitlement on display when people bitch and moan about how much it costs is baffling. Go get your food on your own like a freaking adult.