Meal Tax Deduction Clarification

[Shane Moss]

I'm trying to make sense of what I'm reading about deducting meals. It looks like I have to be on a business trip in order to take the deduction. Is that right? Here's my scenario:

I'm getting ready to take possesion of a property in a couple of days. It is only about 15 miles from where I live. I plan on being over there almost every day this summer. Can I take meal deductions when I eat out even though I'm not that far from home?

Secondly, can I also deduct a meal that I buy for a family member who is helping, but not an employee?