Other inexpensive food and refreshment items such as donuts or soda may also be accepted. There are some other items as well that are not considered gifts, such as greeting cards and bank loans at commercial rates. But remember that the definition of a gift is very broad. Generally, anything that has monetary value is considered a gift. So if you have a question about a gift, ask your ICD Deputy Ethics Counselor.
Meals are gifts.
If the person who wants to pay for your lunch is regulated by, does business with, or seeks official action by your agency or is affected by the job you do, or if the meal is offered because of your position, then the rule on gifts applies. Other examples are special discounts available through your agency credit union and gifts that result from an outside job when they are not given because of your Government position. All of the exceptions are subject to certain limits, and some have conditions that must be met. Before using an exception, the best course to follow is to ask your ICD Deputy Ethics Counselor about it. Your ICD Deputy Ethics Counselor can also tell you how you may properly dispose of a gift that you have received but are not allowed to keep.