People will go to the fridge quickly for drinks, snacks, etc...

Having sponsors help foot the bill keeps the costs down for attendees, which they will always appreciate.I go to a lot of real estate things, and they almost always have a sponsor, who brings in snacks or drinks and gives a little pitch at the beginning.

Burgers will be made of veggie protein that bleeds or some other meat alternatives.

Go School has bright classrooms, provides snacks and beverages every class, has a bright updated classroom and energetic instructors. 

Snack/Drink machines?

Are you offering anything like a gift pack on arrival, snacks, dried herb pack, bottle of wine, etc., if so add that cost in.

Additional value adds will be by rehabbing the laundry room, offering vending machines for supplies and snacks, and trading an onsite management office to the property management company in exchange for a reduced management fee.

Maybe the landlord wanted it for clean up, snacks? 

I'm overpaying for dried snacks to last me and my family has their own shopping to do.

Jonathan:Sure, let me know if you have time for coffee or an afternoon snack, and I'll give you my best thinking.