Sen. Barack Obama stopped by an Asheville barbecue restaurant to grab a takeout lunch in a break from his preparations for his next debate with Sen. John McCain.

The Democratic presidential candidate greeted diners at 12 Bones Smokehouse on Monday and returned to his motorcade after collecting an order of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, corn pudding and sweet tea.

Obama said the mountain of food was not all for him.

He told reporters outside the Grove Park Inn that Monday's falling stock values shows that last week's $700 billion rescue package isn't the end of what must be done to fix the U.S. economy.

Obama said Washington should help with high gas and food prices, support state and local governments facing layoffs, and extend unemployment insurance.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)