new study Contributions from UNC researchers introduce new simulations that model the impact of subsidies for fruits, vegetables, and health foods funded by taxes on ultra-processed foods and beverages.
under policy Simulations show that low-income households, especially those without children, purchase food and beverages at lower taxes than higher-income households. Furthermore, in low-income households, shifted You will consume healthier options at a higher rate.
The study was conducted in the following manner. global Interdisciplinary food research program group is stored under carolina Population Center that investigates the design and evaluation of food policy in the United States and abroad.
“Nutrition is important” co-author Pauliya Valizadeh Said. “We have nutritional disparities, and low-income households tend to have lower quality diets. We want policy interventions that address these disparities in socio-economic status.”
This paper was co-authored by Shu Wen. hmm, Professor Nutrition at UNC gillings Mr. Valizadeh, Research Assistant, International School of Public Health Professor in texas A&M University completes research during period postdoc Fellowship at UNC.
This study had two main goals. Said —Simulate the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages at the national level and reallocate that tax in the form of subsidies to other minimally processed foods.
“The goal should not necessarily be to collect revenue, but to change the relative prices of healthy and unhealthy foods to make a difference in purchases,” Valizadeh says. Said. “Also, return some of these tax revenues to low-income families who already pay taxes in the form of subsidies.”
Valizadeh Said The main benefit for low-income households in this study was the quality of calories consumed.he Said Those populations consumed less. ”empty A “calorie” is a calorie that comes from food that has little or no nutritional value.
rebecca Hankinsdevelopment and communication director for chatham Outreach Alliance is a nonprofit organization working to address food insecurity in the Triangle region. Said Especially when considering economic growth, there is often a bias against individuals who do not earn as much and rely on outside assistance for healthy eating. growth in areas like chatham county.
