Government Meal Rate - Frequently Asked Questions

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Programs & Services > Allowances > Frequently Asked Questions > Government Meal Rate

Government Meal Rate FAQs
Updated: 12/19/17

What is the current Government meal rate?

Effective 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018, the OUSD Comptroller announced the GMR is $13.90. The breakdown is as follows:

MEAL	DISCOUNT MEAL RATE	SURCHARGE AMOUNT	FULL MEAL RATE
BREAKFAST	$2.60	$.85	$3.45
LUNCH	$4.25	$1.35	$5.60
DINNER	$3.65	$1.20	$4.85
TOTAL:	$10.50	$3.40	$13.90

How often is the Government meal rate changed?

Every year the rate is reviewed and revised, if necessary, by the OSD Comptroller. The rates above are effective 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018.

What rate do midshipmen and cadets use?

Effective 1 October 2008 the meal rate for cadets/midshipmen is equivalent to the Enlisted Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rate.

Is the rate changing for 2018?

Yes. The 2017 Standard GMR of $13.85 (total of breakfast, lunch and dinner) is increased to $13.90 for the 2018 calendar year. See Table above for the breakdown of individual meal and surcharge amounts.

Why did the full rate increase so much for 2015?

The standard rate increased an additional $1.65 in 2015 to provide operating expense reimbursement for the a la carte system. The operating expense rate for a la carte is 33% versus 17% for buffet style.

Where can I find this information in the JTR?

See Appendix A1, definition of Government Meal Rate (GMR).

Where can I find more information on Government meal rates?

For more information on GMR see the DoDFMR. For GMR yearly updates, see the OUSD Comptroller Website.