Before the F/As signed their contract on Sept 12, 2001, our crew meals were little grey bags with ready to eat meals. Usually a little Cup of Noodles type snack, or something to just add hot water to. Most of the time it tasted like card-board. Very nasty and unhealthy (except for the apple)

After the contract was signed we were awarded crew meals which were similar to a First Class/Business meal. They would be identical to what our Premium pax received. But because of the added cost of that meal to feed the F/As, AA and our then Union President chose to discontinue the crew meals completely during the concessions/give-backs. (again, I know this doesn't give you what AA spends on a premium meal, but it gives you somewhat of an idea that it is/was expensive enough to cut that cost to feed the F/As). To this day F/As don't receive a meal during the day. Pilots per contract still get fed, but the F/As do not. If you do see them eating, it is because 1) they brought their own food either from home or the airport, 2) they are eating the leftovers, or meals that pax did not want.

OT: this might explain the late arrivals of F/As when they have to change aircraft during their short off-scheduled connection, they stopped to buy food at a restaurant at the airport to eat it after their pax are fed. (or woof it down before pax board)