"economic growth" news and stories

Is a sweet tooth strong enough to withstand the rising prices of basic food necessities, such as milk, eggs, and bread? Apparently so - according to an article from the Associated Press, retail sales in candy have gone up by three percent in the past year. Despite the fact that people are cutting back on driving long distances and buying certain grocery items, they are still willing to pay a premium for candy. Do we have an unhealthy addiction to candy?

Why am I spending more money on candy when I am economizing on just about everything else?
It's psychological. Consumer Analysts at the Nielsen Co. explain that the candy business is "recession-proof." Besides having the feel-good factor, candy is easily accessible and cheap. Since people are reducing their shopping trips further from home to save gas, they are ending up at drug stores where there's lots of candy. Chocolate bars are probably one of the cheapest foods that seems to fulfill your appetite and simultaneously put a smile on your face. In fact, during the Great Depression, nickel chocolate bars practically served as meals.

Is there a solution?
While it's not a problem for the candy business, an increase in candy consumption cannot be a good thing for our health. Are there ways to encourage people to follow a more nutritious diet during economic recessions? What are your thoughts?