I worked on the huge money-wasting Future Combat Systems program from a remote site. I’d phone into meetings which were always scheduled at lunchtime. At the main sites the lunches, breakfasts, snacks were catered in. Having attended a few on-site meetings I can attest that these were only the highest quality restaurant food; never Subways. The lunches would be from one vendor, the coffee from Star Bucks and the rolls from a boutique bakery; often at the same time.
When I complained that I had to attend during my lunchtime, which was my own time, I was informed that I could order “the best food you want,” file for reimbursement and use the program charge code. I never did because I like my own food, thankyouverymuch. But this gives you an idea of how widespread this Uncle Sugar notion is through the government and all those that touch the government.
Have you ever noticed how FAT government employees are? Well, Uncle Sugar is why.
In most government meetings the only way to get government people to attend is to provide free food. Otherwise it'll be a couple of Feds and a small army of support contractors trying to figure out what to do.