Assalamualaikum
This Ahle Kitaab issue is quite sensitive, most people interpret the ayah that is in the Quran the wrong way and thus act upon it the wrong way. In the Quran, Allah Almighty has mentioned:
“Eat not of that (meat) on which Allaah’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of slaughtering of the animal)…” [al-An’aam 6:121].
As has been mentioned previously in this thread. If this is what the Quran says then it is mere disobedience to the Command of Allah and thus a great sin. Any meat that we eat must be alsughterede in the name of Allah (SWT) and the methods according to Shariah.
Another Quran Ayah:
“He has forbidden you… that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah.” [al-Baqarah 2:173].
Jews and Christians obviously do not slaughter in the name of Allah (SWT), they slaughter in the name os Jesus (PBUH). This ayah suggests that even
that method of slaughter is Haraam therefore we should avoid eating meat that has been slaughtered by Jews or Christians.
If eating from the ordinary supermarket meat is Halal, then for those who do buy it from the supermarket, it might be quite normal for those living in non muslims countries to eat all sorts of fast foods, such as McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Hungry Jacks and Pizza Restuarants. The method of slaughter of supermarkets and fast food outlets is basically the same; They do not slaughter in the name of Allah (SWT).
My sister's husband's family does the same, even worse to be honest. They eat from ordinary supermarkets when the halal shops are just a few minutes drive. And she avoids eating with them altogether, from what I know.
For those who are suggesting that it is okay to eat from any section of the supermarket, without any relation to a source, please don't.
Brother Muslimguy, May Allah (SWT) reward you and your family for your efforts in seeking halal food. There are many hardships that we all face in the West. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for us. Aameen.
May Allah (SWT) guide us all onto the straight Path, Insha Allah, Aameen.
Assalamualaikum