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Should the Unemployed Also Get Vegetable Aid?

What happens to eating habits in the face of unemployment? Nothing good, according to a new working paper by Dhaval M. Dave and Inas Rashad Kelly. The authors found that “a higher risk of unemployment is associated with reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables … Specifically, among those who are predicted to be at the highest risk of unemployment, a one percentage point increase in the resident state’s unemployment rate is associated with a 2-4% reduction in the frequency of fruits and vegetables consumption, and an 8% reduction in the consumption of salad.” The authors suggest income and adverse mental health are to blame for the substitution — and recommend “income-support programs, counseling, and access to mental health services.” [%comments]


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