It is common most places I think. As long as the kid os fed, the job is done. I think there is more to it than that, especially now - and, even the type of food matters. A few weeks ago while Smallsteps was on the beach eating carrots and raisins, her friend was eating sweet biscuits as a meal - suffice to say, there was an obvious difference between the two. 

Also, sometimes children of neglectful parents do very well, because they are able to learn what not to do in life :D