In "Eating at the Edge" Jamie Horwitz describes on-the-go eating as a growing aspect of American food culture. People are always eating while they are doing something else--emailing, driving, studying, etc. This type of multitasking has been described by researchers to not qualify as "eating alone," as things such as listening to the radio and watching TV are classified as a social experience (42).  Horwitz discusses how Americans are moving away from the sit down family dinners and towards the drive through windows. Horwitz explains that "taking time to share food, as part of a daily routine (not a special occasion), is becoming less common in the U.S. as unstructured eating patters become more familiar varied" (45). As a college student, I am living proof of these claims. Most of my meals are eaten while I'm studying, walking to class, or in class. They aren't planned, nor are they satisfactory. I find myself rushing to grab a quick granola bar or piece of fruit to hold me over until I have a few minutes to scavenge another snack.
         When I was a kid, my family would eat dinner together almost every night of the week. My mother was an excellent cook, and we always devoted 6 to 7 o'clock every evening to enjoying her food and each other's company. I do miss those family meals and they have provided me with fond memories of my childhood. Eventually, however, everyone became busy and that time together was lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Now I struggle to get in three square meals a day and really appreciate the times I'm home and can have a delicious home cooked meal with my family.