You're missing the point. If it comes to a question of "Do we give them free food" or "Do we (say) give them free theater tickets", free food would probably win

You're missing the point. If it comes to a question of "Do we give them free food" or "Do we (say) give them free theater tickets", free food would probably win even if the cost was the same, because it's more likely to keep the employees at work.