Which of the following is an example of an indirect cost?

Indirect costs are expenses that are not directly tied to the specific operations or activities of a program, project, or organization. They typically support the broader functioning of the organization and may include items that are necessary for day-to-day operations but do not directly contribute to a specific output.

In this context, insurance is a quintessential example of an indirect cost. It provides general risk management and protection for the organization’s assets and operations, rather than being linked to a specific project or item. It's a recurring cost that does not directly contribute to the production of goods or services but is essential for the overall functioning of the organization.

Other options also describe various types of costs: travel costs and food are typically classified as direct costs since they can be attributed directly to specific activities or projects. For instance, travel costs would relate directly to moving individuals to specific job sites or meetings, while food is directly associated with catering or nutritional programs. Meanwhile, 'China' could refer to dishes or dining ware, which also serves a direct function in meal service but does not fit into the category of indirect expenses like insurance. Thus, insurance stands out as the clear example of an indirect cost.