NYT article: Adapting to a changing economy

In this article appearing in the Times today we see a changing picture of Americans living in a recession and the way this down turn is affecting everyday life. I know several people who are still waiting for the other (chaotic and disastrous) shoe to drop, but I think its interesting that people are ready to make due and adapt. I am particularly interested in how this will impact the standard American diet. It seems that as meat consumption is going up in emerging economies like China, Americans are already starting to skip the red meat. This is an amazing opportunity for public health and food activists to support positive dietary changes and help folks trying to adapt to a more economical diet, that may in fact also be better for their health and the environment. The main challenge I see is getting folks to eat more whole grains and legumes and not just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on white bread.