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.

Please join us in honoring our veterans — today and every day. With deep gratitude, we thank you for your service, your ...
11/11/2025

Please join us in honoring our veterans — today and every day. With deep gratitude, we thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering courage! Your bravery echoes through generations, and your commitment to our nation inspires us all.
We salute you.
We remember you.
We stand with you. 🇺🇸

Today, we proudly salute the United States Marine Corps on its 250th Birthday! 🇺🇸To all who have worn the Eagle, Globe, ...
11/10/2025

Today, we proudly salute the United States Marine Corps on its 250th Birthday! 🇺🇸
To all who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor — past and present — we thank you for your service.

Despite the government shutdown, our R&DA’s Fall Meeting & Exhibition proved to be an incredible success—bringing togeth...
11/06/2025

Despite the government shutdown, our R&DA’s Fall Meeting & Exhibition proved to be an incredible success—bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, and food program professionals both in-person and virtually.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees whose participation made this event truly memorable. A special shout-out goes to Chef Rob Lafond of J.T.M. Food Group and Chef Scott Cooper of the U.S. Navy for their engaging Chef-N-Lunch Cooking Demonstration—a highlight of the program!
We look forward to welcoming you again at our 2026 Spring Meeting, hosted at The Westin La Paloma in Tucson, AZ.

What a day! Engaging panels, impactful sessions, and our always‑popular Chef‑N‑Lunch filled the room with ideas and conn...
11/05/2025

What a day! Engaging panels, impactful sessions, and our always‑popular Chef‑N‑Lunch filled the room with ideas and connection. We’re grateful for what matters most—being together—and excited for what’s still to come!

🎉 R&DA’s Fall Meeting is officially underway!The registration desk is open—come say hello and get settled in.🎂 While you...
11/03/2025

🎉 R&DA’s Fall Meeting is officially underway!
The registration desk is open—come say hello and get settled in.
🎂 While you’re here, take a sneak peek at the stunning Military Services milestone birthday cake display. It’s a tribute you won’t want to miss.
🎖️ Join us tonight for the ceremonial cake cutting in the Narragansett Ballroom at 7:15pm sharp. Let’s celebrate together!

Who’s excited for our 2025 Fall Meeting & Exhibition?!We can’t wait to connect with our partners across government, acad...
11/02/2025

Who’s excited for our 2025 Fall Meeting & Exhibition?!
We can’t wait to connect with our partners across government, academia, and industry. The goody bags are stuffed, the excitement is building, and Providence is ready to welcome us. See you soon!




Happy Birthday, John McNulty 🥳!
11/02/2025

Happy Birthday, John McNulty 🥳!

Today is National Day of the Deployed. We thank and honor our military who have deployed around the world.  This day als...
10/26/2025

Today is National Day of the Deployed. We thank and honor our military who have deployed around the world. This day also acknowledges the sacrifices that military families make during deployment. Today and everyday we thank you! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

The R&DA Staff and Board of Directors are counting down the days until we get together in Providence, RI for R&DA’s 2025...
10/17/2025

The R&DA Staff and Board of Directors are counting down the days until we get together in Providence, RI for R&DA’s 2025 Fall Meeting & Exhibition.
Hope to see you soon!
Still thinking about attending? Visit our our website link at https://www.militaryfood.org/fall-meetings for registration details.





🇺🇸⚓️ Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸
10/13/2025

🇺🇸⚓️ Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Navy! ⚓️🇺🇸

Thank you to everyone who participated in Partnership Day at Ft. Lee last week.  It was a meaningful opportunity to enga...
09/24/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in Partnership Day at Ft. Lee last week. It was a meaningful opportunity to engage firsthand with the JCCoE/ACES mission, explore the food and ration approval process, and tour the premier food service training facilities that support all branches of the Department of Defense.
These Partnership Days are more than events—they’re bridges. They allow us to connect beyond our regular meetings, strengthen collaboration, and deepen our relationships with key Government Partners who help shape the future of military food service.
A special thank you to our generous sponsors, Sterling Foods and SOPAKCO, whose support made this day possible!

Mark your calendars 📅 ! The deadline to apply for the Emily J. Prior scholarship is Wednesday, December 31st.Know of som...
09/18/2025

Mark your calendars 📅 ! The deadline to apply for the Emily J. Prior scholarship is Wednesday, December 31st.

Know of someone majoring in Food Science, Nutrition or Packaging? Please help us get the word out for a deserving student 🎓

The Emily J. Prior Scholarship Fund program was established in loving memory of Emily Prior for her dedicated military service as Chief, Concepts and Systems Division, Army Center of Excellence Subsistence (ACES). After her military career, Emily continued as an R&DA member representing several food & packaging companies supplying the military food marketplace.
To submit an application or make a donation please visit the EJP Scholarship webpage at https://www.militaryfood.org/ejp-scholarship.

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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