<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pdhenry:
You may or may not be allowed a "normal" carry-on in addition to your goodies. typically it's one "legal" carryon plus a "personal item" like a briefcase or purse.</font>
The TSA allows a reasonably sized bag of consumable food in addition to the "one plus one" carryons. In fact, this has been the case since October, 2001 when the ridiculous carry-on policy was implemented by Mineta.
I've never had any problems with my "snack-bag" - the ticket-checker at security usually asks if it is food. I say "yes" and they allow it.