Yes, that is true too. But if they're freaked out by your presence they won't be eating either. First get them to eat then get them to not freak out.
This is very true.
Even with how much time I spend in front of my tank, my fish still associate me with food. By spending so much time in front of the tank I've also been able to pick up on their cues that tell me that me fish are hungry.
Another thing that I like to do is keep their food in a tupperware that has a bright yellow lid that always sits where they can see it. When they see me pick up the food container, they get really excited.
Fish really are smarter than they get credit for IMO.
So I've got more room now.