Are Food Price Increases Good For Us?

Kim Severson has written an excellent story for today's New York Times about the possible results of changes in food prices.

She explores a tough issue that has been on my mind, whether higher prices of some foods will lead to a change in the kinds of foods Americans buy and eat or not. She notes that the price of some food--commodities (grain, corn, etc) in particular--has become more closely correlated to the price of fuel and that rising prices for those foods make what had been more expensive foods--grass-fed meats, organic produce, milk and eggs--relatively less expensive. She also explores whether this equalizing of price will change consumer behavior (conclusion: the jury is still out). It's well worth the read if you want a good overview of both the changing economics of food and the possible implications of a change on the health and eating habits of Americans.

UPDATE: Ezra Klein comments here on this story and about the likely effect of an economic downturn on eating habits in general.