In general appropriated funds are not available to provide food to government employees at their official duty station. In recent years there have been several provisions/exceptions made under which food can now be paid for and supplied to employees. These are detailed below. Also see the following important tips below before spending money on any of the items on this menu.
Important Tips
- Keep it limited - For example if food is given as an award, avoid large, costly gatherings that could be seen as a "party" rather than an award. Do not promote an image of "feeding at the government trough".
- Keep documentation of all approvals - chances are someone will ask you to justify any food purchase.
- Never use appropriated funds for any of the following: Retirement luncheons, farewell luncheons, holiday parties, office picnics, or anything else that is solely for entertainment purposes.
- These rules do not apply to employees on temporary duty travel outside their local duty station, who receive per diem intended to cover all business travel related costs incurred, including meals.
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