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September 5, 2008 6:10:28 PM CDT

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Americans Reducing Mileage on Cars, Not Stomachs

Posted May 21, 08 5:33 PM CDT in Business,  Arts & Living,  US 

(Newser) – Many Americans are cutting back on gas due to spiking prices, but few are eating less in response to similarly soaring food costs, a poll finds. Nearly half of respondents said they were driving less, but only 8% said they were eating less. "People have more control over gasoline. They are driving less and driving smarter," pollster John Zogby tells Reuters.

"People have been saying that once prices hit $4, they are going to adjust their lifestyles," says Zogby. Both higher gas prices and more expensive food could help business at big-box retailers like Wal-Mart, Reuters reports, which have lower prices and can be a one-stop shop for consumers cutting back on gas.

Source Reuters

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Customers re-fuel their vehicles at a Beverly Hills, Calif. gas station, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
In this April 29, 2008, photo, shoppers walk past the dairy counter in a Maumelle, Ark., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Supercenter store.   (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Sean McGrath of Chicago fills his car at a gas station on Chicago's North Side Monday, May 19, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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