Many of the comments here would get you literally laughed at interviewing at 99+% of the companies (including tech ones) in the US. "Give me $50K more if you don't offer three high quality free meals a day."

Definitely not. Meals and snacks are becoming common perks in tech even outside of SF/the US, and people (especially young grads fresh out of college) are beginning to ask for them. I personally keep a look out for it, too, since I eat a lot healthier when compared to ordering food, and save a lot of time compared to cooking it.

I just can't imagine wanting to eat 3 meals a day at work, no matter how good they are.

You will be shocked that we even bring friends and family there occasionally! That's how good the food is :)

I remember the Japanese cafe at Google was very good at one point. This article has some pictures to give you an idea:

https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-free-food-google-cafe...

You will be shocked, apparently, that there are people here saying they don't want that!

Exactly: I have to get out, and away.

Can't stand work canteens... something about the smell of food really puts you off eating.

It feels very forced.

Prefer an impersonal sandwich shop where I just have a wall to stare at than being in something attached to my workplace.

Sounds like when I was a conscript.

Its also not taxed which for a higher earner does multiply the benefit.

I am surprised that the IRS hasn't gone after this like HMRC has in the UK

They sort of have: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pa...

But the companies are presumably eating the cost.

That's never been my experience.

Then they also have to give you a free gym, to work those meals back off.

Most of the bigger companies have their own cafeterias and kitchens to produce everything in house. They usually contract it out to companies like Bon Appetit who completely manage the logistics and operations.