If one is flying J, one can go to the MLL for drink and food.

If one is flying Y, the BOB "meal" is $9 or $7 if prepaid. This is what AC expects one to get for meal.

AC probably thinks that they're already very generous since they don't provide free food in Y.

Since it is AC's published policy for delay of 4 hours or more before they would hand out food voucher, most travel insurance would be applicable in case of delay of 4 hours or more. If OP has travel insurance or On My Way, reasonable meal expense would definitely be covered.