R&DA - Research and Development Associates for Military Food and Packaging

R&DA - Research and Development Associates for Military Food and Packaging The mission of R&DA is to provide the safest and highest quality food and food service to the U.S. A Isker formed R&DA.

WHAT R&DA IS


R&DA is a nonprofit professional association linking industry, academia, and the federal government in coordinating research and development activities in the areas of food, food packaging, food service operations and equipment. Since 1946 R&DA has maintained a continuous and effective working relationship with U.S. Government personnel who are responsible for the supply procurement

, quality and adequacy of food, containers, equipment and related food items. R&DA has been recognized by the government on numerous occasions for its service and contributions to the national defense. R&DA is the ideal association for marketing, technical, government, academia, prime vendor, quality, packaging, and related personnel. WHY R&DA WAS FORMED

At the onset of World War II, rations to support our soldiers in combat were urgently needed by the federal government. The military services were not current with the capabilities of industry nor was industry aware of the requirements of the military in the food areas. As a result, the procurement and delivery of food and containers was often insufficient and adversely affected the soldier and the war effort. In 1946, with the intent to prevent recurrence of this situation, Colonel Rohland A. With the full cooperation of the military and industry, R&DA grew to be the major force it is today. R&DA members share a proud heritage of assisting the United States in a meaningful manner. WHAT R&DA DOES

Advises members on the most effective methods to bring their products and services to the attention of the government. Creates a network of individuals working on similar issues. Ensures that members are up to date on research projects, government requirements, and information that may affect industry, academia, and the government. Provides to members R&DAs newsletter, scholarly publications, and periodic information on an annual basis.

Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! ⚓️🇺🇸To the brave men and women who stand ready 24/7 to safeguard our coast...
08/04/2026

Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! ⚓️🇺🇸
To the brave men and women who stand ready 24/7 to safeguard our coasts, perform lifesaving missions, and serve our nation—thank you for your dedication. Semper Paratus!

R&DA’s Fall Meeting & Exhibition is more than a gathering — it brings together the companies, leaders, and innovators de...
07/31/2026

R&DA’s Fall Meeting & Exhibition is more than a gathering — it brings together the companies, leaders, and innovators dedicated to supporting military feeding. For those who take this mission seriously, this is the place to be. Attendees gain direct access to decision‑makers, program updates, emerging requirements, and the partnerships that keep our industrial base strong. Our work matters. It has impact. It makes a difference. Need to register? Please visit R&DA’s Fall Meeting page for detailed information at https://www.militaryfood.org/fall-meetings





R&DA’s 2026 Fall Exhibition is where industry leadership shows up. If you haven’t reserved your booth yet, now is the ti...
07/09/2026

R&DA’s 2026 Fall Exhibition is where industry leadership shows up. If you haven’t reserved your booth yet, now is the time. Exhibiting gives your company direct visibility with Military decision‑makers, Assemblers, Food Brokers, and key Industry partners. Space is filling quickly, and you don’t want to miss your opportunity to be part of the conversation that drives our industrial base forward. Be sure to secure your space soon at https://www.militaryfood.org/fall-meetings.




Our Executive Director, Abe Young had the privilege of spending the day on the floor at  in South Carolina and walked aw...
07/07/2026

Our Executive Director, Abe Young had the privilege of spending the day on the floor at in South Carolina and walked away proud of what this team does for our warfighters every single day. Since 1943, SOPAKCO has been feeding America's service members — starting with C-rations in WWII and evolving into one of the nation's leading producers of the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) for the U.S. military. When a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Guardsman is downrange with no mess hall in sight, it's the work of teams like this that makes sure a hot, hearty, ready-to-eat meal is never far away.

What stood out most wasn't the scale of the operation — it was the pride. From the processing lines to the R&D lab to the quality checks on every lot, this is a workforce that understands the person on the other end of that meal bag is wearing the uniform. That mission-first mindset shows in everything they touch, from operational rations to emergency and humanitarian meals that support FEMA and disaster response when Americans need it most.

Partnerships like the one between , , and the broader defense-food community are exactly why Research & Development Associates For Military Food & Packaging Systems (R&DA) exists: to keep industry, government, and research aligned around one goal — feeding the warfighter better.

Grateful for the hospitality, and even more grateful for the mission!

Happy Independence Day!As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we honor the courageous men a...
07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we honor the courageous men and women dedicated to preserving it.🇺🇸

Today is National PTSD Awareness Day! Please help spread the word and raise awareness.  For more information on PTSD, pl...
06/27/2026

Today is National PTSD Awareness Day! Please help spread the word and raise awareness. For more information on PTSD, please visit ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness.



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Join us in supporting the 2026 Emily J. Prior Scholarship Program. Created in memory of Emily’s remarkable military serv...
06/22/2026

Join us in supporting the 2026 Emily J. Prior Scholarship Program. Created in memory of Emily’s remarkable military service and her contributions to the Military Food Community, this scholarship invests in students pursuing careers in food science, packaging, and related fields. With outreach to more than 200 universities and colleges, your support helps us identify and uplift the next generation of leaders in the Military Food Community. Detailed information regarding this scholarship can also be found on the EJP Scholarship webpage at https://www.militaryfood.org/ejp-scholarship.

To our Military Dads serving near and far — Happy Father’s Day. 💙🇺🇸💙!
06/21/2026

To our Military Dads serving near and far — Happy Father’s Day. 💙🇺🇸💙!

It’s official—registration is now open for R&DA’s 2026 Fall Meeting & Exhibition!Join us at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in B...
06/15/2026

It’s official—registration is now open for R&DA’s 2026 Fall Meeting & Exhibition!
Join us at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for 2½ days of insights, sessions, workshops, exhibits, networking, and meaningful connections with industry leaders and military partners.
Early registration rates are available through September 29th. Please visit our website at https://www.militaryfood.org/fall-meetings for registration requirements and registration forms.




Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Army! We thank you and your many years of service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
06/14/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Army!
We thank you and your many years of service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Address

16607 Blanco Road, # 1103
San Antonio, TX
78232

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 12pm

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