A reader observes:

Did you ever wonder why airlines serve food and drinks in the first place?
Even on short flights? Because when they were regulated on price, they had to find other ways to differentiate their service. But now that prices are no longer regulated, airlines have been reluctant to change their food service policies because – I assume – people expect it, no matter how bad it is. Sort of like trying to get rid of an obsolete government program.
Anyway, I think you’ll see more of this as airlines struggle to find ways to make a buck in what has always been a cut-throat business.