I am frugal, was pretty much brought up that way. But I've refined it. I was brought up with the saying "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." However, I had many years of abundance and got away from that. Being on my own and unemployed for a while I got back into stretching the dollars as much as I could. I make my own Peanut Butter, I cook from scratch, I sell what I don't need, I grow my own when I can, I keep my house cooler in winter and warmer in summer, I plan my trips, I use the library instead of buying books, etc. I enjoy it.

I am frugal by nature, whether my income is low or those times when it has been quite high. I am value-driven, and as a minimalist since well before it became a thing have far fewer things than most people. I bought a winter coat on sale at Nordstrom, and still have it 15 years later. I spent a lot on my one pair of men's dress shoes, but they are over 10 years old. (I take care of them) I could go on, but frugal to me does not mean cheap. Even if limited in income you can save by buying quality items.
I do not waste food, just once in the last year and even then it was probably OK but I did not want to take a risk.