I remember the programme that started us questioning school meal, Jamie's School Meals I think? I was very shocked to find middle aged women who did not know how to cook, my daughter told me, just before the programme, that the local School only used processed stuff e.g Turkey Twizzlers? and she hated it as they ate fresh meat and veg at home. Start children off on processed stuff and I am sure they get addicted. I too use food up in meals and when I used to go camping in the VDUB, I would make a huge pot of stew and make it last several days, last bit over some bought chips ;)sometimes, when we have workmen stay for a long stint before going back home, I cook evening meals, ALWAYS home made with loads of veg BUT, I cannot offer them leftovers just in case contamination!!!!!
I guess it must be to do with laziness as I nearly always worked when my children were at School and used to plan meals, sometimes getting two meals done on the same evening and make something like Shephard pie, Lasagna or Casserole if I was going to be late home so it was ready for the oven when I got in, as I said before, most of the food I make takes little prep so WHY are people not cooking?