A Justification Template

Food purchases under federal grants are always a hot topic and a hot spot in audits. This DECODED® justification form helps you document the “why” behind food-related expenses for grant-funded events, meetings, or trainings.

This form includes:
Guided questions to document your rationale and tie back to the grant’s purpose as well as allowable cost principles
Prompts for purpose, necessity, alternative options, and outcomes
Sections for attaching agenda, attendance, and cost breakdowns
Tips for tying justification to grant language
Built-in audit prep guidance

Federal rules don’t prohibit food, but they do require strong justification. This form helps to walk the line between flexibility and compliance and ensures that food purchases won’t derail your next audit or desk review.