We tend to sit down for a meal when we are hungry, or at least that is what we say. There are several reasons people eat besides the growling of our stomachs. We may be hungry because there was no nutritional value in our previous meal. Or, we fill a plate to fill an emotional void, or we are just plain bored.
There is a purpose for food beyond the fact that it tastes good and provides a sensual pleasure for the palate.