But if mass hunger begins with a collapse in purchasing power, rather than a shortage of food, it does not take an airlift to prevent it.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus

At the same time, Wal-Mart ( WMT) and other nationwide mass merchants are now big grocery sellers and use their vast purchasing power to squeeze low prices from suppliers, in a way regional grocers never could.

FORBES: Green Giant And Betty Crocker Can't Risk Raising Prices