I want my money back for a meal I couldn't attend
Why won't they give the money back?
They are being cheapskates and rude for not allowing me to cancel late.
Depending on the situation you can't always get your money back for a pre paid event. It might help to ask unless they had already prepared the food and had to throw it away uneaten.
Screw you, that doesn't help me now!
You can't always expect to get a refund on a pre-paid event. If you talk to the company in a thoughtful and respectful manner you may be able to compromise and get money off the next event or meal you want to attend.