Provision of meals; including beverages and meal supplies; for employees and volunteers engaged in eligible emergency work; including those at EOCs; is eligible provided the individuals are not receiving per diem; and one of the following circumstances apply: (1) a qualifying labor policy or written agreement requires provision of meals; (2) conditions are sufficiently severe as to require employees to work abnormal; extended work hours without a reasonable amount of time to provide for their own meals; or (3) food or water is not reasonably available for employees to purchase. When these criteria are met; FEMA only reimburses the cost of meals that are brought to the work location and purchased in a cost-effective and reasonable manner; such as bulk meals. FEMA does not reimburse costs related to group outings at restaurants or individual meals.The documentation provided by the Applicant establishes that conditions were sufficiently severe as to require employees to work extended hours without a reasonable amount of time to provide for their own meals. The meals were brought to the work location and purchased in a cost-effective and reasonable manner.FEMA finds that the Applicant demonstrated the purchase of meals for personnel working in the EOC is eligible for Public Assistance. Accordingly; this appeal is granted.

Provision of meals; including beverages and meal supplies; for employees and volunteers engaged in eligible emergency work; including those at EOCs; is eligible provided the individuals are not receiving per diem; and one of the following circumstances apply: (1) a qualifying labor policy or written agreement requires provision of meals; (2) conditions are sufficiently severe as to require employees to work abnormal; extended work hours without a reasonable amount of time to provide for their own meals; or (3) food or water is not reasonably available for employees to purchase. When these criteria are met; FEMA only reimburses the cost of meals that are brought to the work location and purchased in a cost-effective and reasonable manner; such as bulk meals. FEMA does not reimburse costs related to group outings at restaurants or individual meals.The documentation provided by the Applicant establishes that conditions were sufficiently severe as to require employees to work extended hours without a reasonable amount of time to provide for their own meals. The meals were brought to the work location and purchased in a cost-effective and reasonable manner.ConclusionFEMA finds that the Applicant demonstrated the purchase of meals for personnel working in the EOC is eligible for Public Assistance. Accordingly; this appeal is granted.