Meta has reportedly dismissed several employees for misusing the company’s meal voucher system. Staff were found using the credits, intended for meals, to purchase non-food items like toothpaste and washing powder. Other violations included sharing meal credits with others or exceeding the budget, according to reports from individuals claiming to work at Meta.
The tech giant provides its employees with daily meal vouchers—$25 for lunch, $20 for breakfast, and $25 for dinner—to be used on Grubhub, a popular U.S. food delivery platform. However, some workers allegedly used the vouchers for non-food purchases, violating company policy.
Anonymous posts on Blind, a workplace social media platform, seem to confirm parts of the story, which was first reported by the Financial Times. One user shared that more than 30 employees were terminated last week for using the meal credits for “non-food items, sharing credits with others, or going over budget.”
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The items in question included everyday essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and even wine glasses. According to some reports, the employees were given warnings to stop the misuse, and while most complied, they were still fired three months later. However, other sources claim that no warnings were issued at all.
This meal voucher controversy is just one of several recent job cuts at Meta. The company has reportedly laid off employees across various departments, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs, which is responsible for Meta’s Oculus virtual reality headset.
Jane Manchun Wong, a former Meta security engineer, revealed on social media that she lost her job as part of the company’s broader layoffs. Wong, who was hired just over a year ago, gained recognition after making the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2022.
The Verge first reported on these layoffs, with a Meta spokesperson confirming that the company is making adjustments to align with its long-term strategic goals. This includes shifting resources, moving some teams to different locations, and eliminating certain roles.
Meta has not officially commented on the meal voucher controversy but has stated that in cases where roles are eliminated, the company tries to help affected employees find new opportunities within the organization.
