Get a solid $20 knife and look up some knife techniques. Grab a bowl or something ready for the scraps. I can dice up an onion in like 30 seconds, you could probably do it in less than a minute if you have a sharp knife and practice a little.
If youre really pressed for time you can prep ingredients beforehand, either earlier in the day, or even a previous day, and then cook them later.
Some recipes do take a lot of work and prep but lots of them don't. Some take awhile but the active time isn't much, so it's not like you just have to stand there.
Its easier said than done, but you don't have to wait until you're hungry to start cooking.
At least they wouldn't have to pay for cars/gas anymore!