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      Food and beverage discounts

Food and beverage discounts A vendor of food or beverages (even if incorporated) may sell food and beverages to a campaign at a discount. The amount charged must at least equal the vendor’s cost for the items. If the value of the discount—the difference between the normal charge and the amount paid by the campaign—does not exceed $1,000 per candidate, per election, the discount is not considered a contribution. Discounts exceeding $1,000, however, are in-kind contributions and must be reported as such. A corporate vendor may not exceed the $1,000 discount limit since corporate contributions are prohibited. Discounts in the ordinary course of business Discounts given in the ordinary course of business and on the same terms and conditions offered to the vendor’s other (nonpolitical committee) customers do not result in contributions. For example, the Commission determined that a corporate vendor may offer its cybersecurity services to federal candidates and political committees at the same "low or no cost" tier that it offers to all qualified customers without making an impermissible in-kind contribution. The vendor must offer the services in the ordinary course of business, on the same terms and conditions and at the same rate that it offers to non-political clients.
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          Who can and can't contribute to a candidateVolunteer activitySupport from corporations and labor organizations Need help? Get help from the FEC by phone or email
 Continue learning about this topic Volunteer activity
 Legal citations Regulations 11 CFR 100.78Sale of food or beverages by vendor 11 CFR 114.1(a)(2)(v)Definitions
 Advisory opinions AO 2019-12Technology corporation's provision of low-cost cybersecurity services to federal candidates and political committees. AO 2004-18Campaign committee's purchase of candidate's book at discounted price AO 1989-14Restaurant's method of charging political customers


This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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