So I work at <
Today there was an entree that went out with everything on it despite the server entering no tomatoes and onions due to an allergy. The server didn't use the “allergy” button but the information was at least typed onto the ticket.
Obviously it was sent back, and we can't just pull the items off due to the allergy. As it was being remade, I asked the manager if I could have the entree that we couldn't sell. I was told no, that we “don't reward mistakes” (i was later told by the same manager that their bonus comes from minimizing food waste). The item was left in the window and eventually discarded instead of being given to any number of employees who would have been happy to take it.
The same thing happens every time a steak is overcooked, they'd rather discard it than let someone have it. I understand the idea that someone could abuse the system to get free food but I feel like that'd become obvious pretty quickly. They also wouldn't have to worry about employees trying to scheme the system for free food if they just paid a living wage or provided food during/after a shift.