diff --git a/src/Mono.cs b/src/Mono.cs
index be95363..bc2de6e 100644
--- a/src/Mono.cs
+++ b/src/Mono.cs
@@ -26,7 +26,8 @@ static class Mono
     public static XYZi snake_dir = new(0, 0, 1);
     public static DeltaBool in_box = new(true);
     public static Dictionary<XYZi, XYZi> holes = new();
-    public static XYZi food = new(2, 0, 0);
+    public static XYZi food = new(2, 0, 0); // [!] start random to keep new game fresh?
+    public static bool eaten_latch = false;
     public static double eat_timestamp = 0.0;
 
     public enum BoxMode
@@ -180,13 +181,26 @@ static class Mono
         }
 
         // eat
-        if (food == snake[0])
+        if (!eaten_latch)
         {
-            eat_timestamp = Time.Total;
-            grow_buffer += 3;
+            if (food == snake[0])
+            {
+                eaten_latch = true;
+                eat_timestamp = Time.Total;
+                grow_buffer += 3;
 
-            Feed();
-            SFX.crisp_nom.PlayBox(snake[0]);
+                SFX.crisp_nom.PlayBox(snake[0]);
+
+                // move food out of play
+                food.y = 5;
+            }
+        } else {
+            (bool viable, XYZi cell) = Feed();
+            if (viable)
+            {
+                food = cell;
+                eaten_latch = false;
+            }
         }
     }