Delays and food Spoilage
A couple of the 743s have non functioning chillers(hold items) in the aft galley.If delays are protracted then food temeperature becomes critical.Rather than delay the aircraft further a decision not to re cater is made.The aircraft are catered to domestic specs and therefore have minimal splits,beer spirits and juice.
At best its unreliable transport with minimal or no catering.As has been pointed out the domestic terminal provides little more than coffee.In a lenghty delay you cant get fed in the airport and catering is not available onboard leaving pax without adequate nutrition for sometimes up to eight hours including west to east flight time