Keep in mind that local and state laws still must be followed at a local level even within a corporation. For example, in some cities and states, giving untouched left-over food to a homeless shelter is a major health violation, whereas in other areas there is no law governing the donation of untouched left-overs. The corporation may make a policy to abide by the laws on a location by location basis, rather than a company wide policy, in order to benefit the homeless as much as possible.

And yet, some managers are still dicks regardless of the corporate policies.

The wasting of food becomes a lesser concern in these situations — and, let’s face it, one wasted cupcake won’t knock the Earth off its axis, despite the standard-issue histrionics of the notewriter. So, I can imagine situations where “just don’t eat it” isn’t a viable option. At least taking a bite for show is “required”, regardless if you want or enjoy what’s offered.

Of course, I can’t imagine why anyone would then leave the evidence lying aroud! You quickly stuff it in a napkin and make it vanish, not set it down somewhere it’ll become a target for pusillanimous note-writers. That’s, like, covered in the first week of “Pretending To Be Civilized In Polite Company 101″. Dumb, dumb, dumb — perhaps malnutrition is to blame?