The idea of having food isn't bad in and of itself. It does give you an opportunity to stop and relax and/or sleep in a rest stop if you choose to do so. But I think some have painted a rather bleak picture of the American Mid-West. Mind you, we joke that in Kansas there are miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles of nothing. But on most major roads, and certainly on interstates, there are usually truck stops every 50 to 100 miles. They will have gas stations and restaurants, even if only fast food places. Normally truckers prefer sit down restaurants. Get too far off interstates or away from tourist attractions and things may thin out. Some times you may find yourself at an exit where the gas stations aren't close to the exit, and if too late, may be closed.
As to places to go, is there a reason for the route you have chosen other than a map of interstates? When is your trip? I ask as weather might be a factor in choosing places to visit.
When you go through Kansas City, you might want a short (about 1 hour) trip up to St Joseph. They have the Pony Express Museum. They also used to have a museum with a some American Indian artifacts. Some of the old homes there are interesting photographically. I think they still have a museum with railroad engines and cars. It won't likely be the highlight of your trip, so plan accordingly, but might be of interest.
I would consider going through the Four Corners area (where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico share a common border). Very close to that is the Mesa Verde National Park. That contains a lot of cliff dwellings (google). They are interesting and picturesque. I certainly agree with the Grand Canyon, and the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest. Also Monument Valley for some interesting rock formations that you may recognize from some American Western movies.
Someone mentioned Utah. Some north of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, there is a Coral Pink Valley, an oddity, more picturesque would be Bryce Canyon or Zion Canyon National Parks.
http://brycecanyon.com/ will list other nearby (relative) national parks.
All depends on your interests and time. You may get a little overwhelmed by desert along the route in the South West, but there are some picturesques places there.
