[mseebach]

Literally, TANSTAAFL.

This falls in the class of benefits that serve to remove worries for employees so they can spend that time thinking about work instead.

I really don't see how that's a bad thing. If you're feeling shortchanged by the deal, let your boss know. Ultimately, quit.

My last job didn't have catered food. I was a daily chore to figure what to get and go out and get it. Not difficult, but annoying and it broke my concentration. Also we didn't have a lunch area, so most people ate alone at their desks. In my current job (free catered lunch), I've experienced to drone down to the cafeteria and get food without really breaking my train of thought, and I've experienced meeting some people in the cafeteria and picking up a great non-work related conversation.