It’s actually quite a complicated and intertwined service - Amtrak’s food preparation, sourcing, logistics, and even staffing. The staff handing or putting the food at at the Metro Lounges (NY and even Chicago) may have Amtrak uniforms on, but they are not paid directly by Amtrak - they are contracted out service. And yes, the food at Moynihan Lounge is better than what you can get on ANY Amtrak train right now at least - even Acela First Class. My opinion at least. However, there was a time when Acela First Class and even Metroliner First Class was far superior than any food service Amtrak had.
Next time you get a flex meal - look at the wrapper and you’ll see what distribution facility the meal is coming from.
Overall, a very complicated, and expensive food chain at present.….