The act of eating is a service.

[Patrick]

Shemaya's above sentiment regarding the wholesomeness and simplicity of eating is nice, but the reality is that eating involves more than that today. The question is: how aware does a person want to be, and how responsible, with the choices made for food.

I don't think that was Valtor's question, the OP question was "Is eating a selfish act or communal act?" And he stated that he views it as communion, a unifying (STO) act. And I agree with him.

There are negative, separating, thought-forms in the ethers that would have us believe otherwise. But Christ said, "It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles you, but the words that come out of the mouth that defile you." Mt. 15:11 This statement also resonates with me, I believe Christ actually made this statement.

Regardless of where others-selves draw the line of responsibility in choices in acquiring food, it's not relevant to the original question. Food choice is a personal and individual choice based on numerous factors, of which we cannot possibly know completely.

So beautifully said ! I feel very much understood.