[infinite8s]

Doesn't even need an economic study. Just some back of the envelope math. Free daily lunch would probably be about $10-$15 per person (especially if ordered in bulk). There are about 250 working days a year (50 weeks * 5 days) so that's only an extra 4k a year in expenses (and perks can be written off as a business expense and not incur income tax expenses). Free daily lunch sounds much better as a perk than a few extra grand salary.