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I have mulled over this issue and while I feel for the plight of any hungry person, I also respect the right of any business to make rules governing the behavior (and actions) of their employees.
Yes, the employee in question is a veteran. So, too, are many of those who are living on the streets and scavenging for food. But the rule is in place for reasons. That's plural.
Probably the first is, giving away food without authorization is against the rule.
Second would have to be the line of hungry people who would be at the door "knowing" that CB is giving away muffins. Cracker Barrel is in the business of feeding hungry people - who have the money to pay for it.
Third would be the harm that could be done if the person who ate the muffin got sick and claimed it was because he ate the muffin. Predatory lawyers have dreams about such clients.
It irritates me to see people who park in the Fire Lane to run into the Dollar Store ("I'll just be a minute"). Or people who refuse to put their empty cart away ("The store has people to do that"). Or people who want money so they go into the bank and rob it ("The bank has plenty of money").
I may not like the rules the boss has set down, but by accepting his paycheck, I'm agreeing to abide by them. Or seek work elsewhere. Perhaps in a soup kitchen where they give away food all the time.
As a vet, he should know the importance of rules for a large organization. Yes, they may seem dumb in specific situations but rules are in place to keep order. I still can't remember the day when I reported to basic training and they dismissed us all while telling us, no more training, everyone just use your best judgement.
I think Cracker Barrel was likely in the right here. It is a pretty delicate balance, but where I live. If one guy gives out food, you better believe the homeless guy will come in daily and tell their friends.
My sister one time gave a homeless guy a snack near her office. Another time she got him a coffee. A few weeks later he started harassing her and demanded that she buy him breakfast.
I would have been much better if cracker barrel came up with a waste policy, and the worker advised the homeless guy when they pickings were good.
It is theft, no matter the intentions. The muffin was not his to give away. Employees are fired every day for this kind of theft.
Those muffins are not even on the menu they are free so I am not sure you can call giving something that is given away free theft. They probably also only cost less then .50 make but the real issue is that the company cares more about profits then helping someone else.
I think Cracker Barrel was likely in the right here. It is a pretty delicate balance, but where I live. If one guy gives out food, you better believe the homeless guy will come in daily and tell their friends.
My sister one time gave a homeless guy a snack near her office. Another time she got him a coffee. A few weeks later he started harassing her and demanded that she buy him breakfast.
I would have been much better if cracker barrel came up with a waste policy, and the worker advised the homeless guy when they pickings were good.
What about food businesses that give out free samples? Is that not also not giving out free food? So how come businesses can afford to give out free food but CB can't?
What about food businesses that give out free samples? Is that not also not giving out free food? So how come businesses can afford to give out free food but CB can't?
They give away free samples to draw business, in hopes that you buy some, and become a repeat customer..Everyone knows this. Even you.
They give away free samples to draw business, in hopes that you buy some, and become a repeat customer..Everyone knows this. Even you.
So would not if look good for the company if word got around that they gave food to a homeless vet? Whether to draw in business or not it is still giving away food and I am sure they give away much more then a muffin.
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