Food: Fast Food Speeds up the Pace

(4 of 4)

Nevertheless, fast food has entrenched itself as part of the American diet. "It's not as good as home cooking, but it is convenient and fast," says Ray Dearmas, a Miami police officer and McDonald's frequenter. For Barb Santoro, 34, a separated parent in Milwaukee, fast food helps her manage a hectic schedule. "Sometimes I work nine or ten hours a day, so it's nice to stop and get the kids something. Frankly," she adds with a laugh, "they might not get anything to eat some days if it weren't for fast-food restaurants." It may not be gourmet eating, but Americans have grown accustomed to the pace. --By Richard Zoglin. Reported by Barbara Dolan/Chicago and Jon D. Hull/San Francisco, with other bureaus