The big potato bailout, binge drinking epidemic, the trials of a Toronto food critic
• Move over, GM. The Canadian spud industry is getting its own stimulus package. Potato farming will be receiving a major infusion of federal funds, with the hope of boosting production of everything from “potato plastic” to shepherd’s pie. [Fresh Plaza]
• Is binge drinking the newest national epidemic? Research shows that spring break–style consumption has seriously harmful effects on both drinkers and their entourage. And we don’t just mean table dancing to Beyoncé. [National Post]
• Toronto Star restaurant critic Corey Mintz reveals how he eats right, even though his job often involves eating all the wrong things. The problem isn’t the limited selection of health-conscious choices in restaurants, apparently—it’s that city folk lack culinary savoir faire. [Toronto Star]
• Consumer research shows differences between Canadian and American Walmart shopping habits. The one-stop shop has been a recession-era success in the States, while sales up here fell slightly. Of course, this is not stopping the chain from opening 26 more franchises in the Great White North. [Financial Post]
• Location, location, location. It turns out that your postal code may determine yet another fact of your life—diet. A Johns Hopkins study shows that lower income areas are less likely to offer healthy eating options. [Forbes]
