My aunt is at an assisted living and if she chooses to go out for dinner even though she tells them in advance they charge 2$ + meal cost.

Too bad the facility didn't plan a holiday meal for their residents. I remember at my Dad's place, the kitchen provided a lovely holiday buffet where the residents and their guest could enjoy without any extra charge. The place was packed :)

Hope they make some changes about the dining hall rules.

Update, I did check with the admin and the 2$ extra was for if they delivered the meal to her room otherwise the meals are included in monthly fees so she's pays whether she eats there or not. The eating their meal at their assigned set was indeed a rule and I discussed with them that I thought it was inappropriate and a dignity issue to not allow people eating at an otherwise empty table to join another table especially on a holiday. The admin seemed to understand and said she would talk to staff. I personally think that there should be assigned tables for those who wish to have their specific spot and open tables where people can mix it up and I let her know that I felt that way a more adult set up and offered better socialization opportunities.

If she's really "very independent and has all of her faculties" she wouldn't be in AL. She may be experiencing increase cognitive delcine, so you will need to check out her story with the admins if you are her PoA.

I suspect there is some misunderstanding here if you are getting this from your Aunt. I would call administration and discuss.

Sounds a bit imagined or twisted to me. Maybe a misunderstanding?
Or just plain old bass ackwards.

The meal plus $2.00 is more likely a refund.
If not, with so many people gone for Easter, the facility must have made a fortune not cooking and not serving dinner.

No one is that cruel to deprive a lonely resident of company at another table.