Party Peeve

I've gotten a few invitation for showers, both baby and bridal, recently where I was asked to bring food and/or drink. Has anyone else experience this? I find it strange that I am not hosting or co-hosting the event, yet I am asked to provide for the party. Am I the only one who friends this strange?

"Hi, thanks for coming and partaking in your own food."

Does this mean I don't have to bring a gift? I am sure I would get more than a few stares if I showed up without an appropriately themed tissue paper filled bag.

When I host a party, I rarely ask people to bring something unless they volunteer it first. In one invitation it said, "Here are the details and here is a list of what you must also bring." I found it a little off-putting but at least informative. The other invitation had no details whatsoever. Should I bring a cake? Should I bring a steak? Who knows? I don't even know what other people are bring or how many people are coming.

I know that hosting a shower can be expensive. A friend and I co-hosted a shower in March and we both spent several hundred dollars. I know not everyone can afford this, but then I ask, why did you volunteer to host a shower?

Perhaps I am wrong. Please tell me if you disagree, but I am already spending money on a gift, now I have to feed myself too?