3312. FoodBuying food for individual employees – at least those who are not away from their official duty station on travel status – generally does not materially contribute to an agency’s mission performance and is prohibited.
As a result, food is generally considered a personal expense. There are some limited exceptions to this rule that can include some training events. Because this area is complex, consultations with a Judge Advocate is recommended.
3. Bottled WaterBottled water generally does not materially contribute to an agency’s mission accomplishment. It is generally a personal expense. The major exception to this rule is that appropriated funds maybe used to buy bottled water when it has been determined that a building’s water supply is unpotable or unsafe and bottled water is determined to be the best economical way to provide water.
4. Workplace Food Storage and Preparation Equipment (i.e. refrig-erators, microwave ovens)Food preparation and storage equipment maybe purchased with appropriated funds, so long as the primary benefit of its use accrues to the agency and the equipment is placed in common areas where it is available for use by all personnel. (Note consult agency regulations and policies prior to applying this decision.)
5. Personal Office Furniture and EquipmentOrdinary office equipment is reasonably necessary to carryout an agency’s mission, so appropriated funds maybe used to purchase such items so long as they serve the needs of the majority of that agency’s employees. With limited exceptions, such as the requirement to make reasonable accommodations for qualified
handicapped employees, equipment that serves the needs of only a single individual or a specific group of individuals is considered a personal expense rather than a necessary expense of the agency.
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