What are the 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

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

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San Antonio, TX
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.

08/29/2026

Join us in honoring 110 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve 🇺🇸 We salute you today and every day! 🦅🌎⚓

08/28/2026

We Are Hiring! R&DA is seeking an experienced, creative, flexible, resilient, diplomatic, and adaptive leader to serve as its Executive Director. We are particularly interested in candidates with senior-level military or government experience, including former military logisticians, commissioned officers, warrant officers, senior enlisted leaders, and GS employees. The Recruitment Announcement and Job Description are available at www.militaryfood.org/whats-new. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] no later than Friday, September 18, 2026. We encourage you to share this opportunity with qualified individuals in your network. For additional information, please contact Jan Cook at [email protected] or Kevin Adams, Hiring Committee Chair, at [email protected].

08/24/2026

Still need to register for R&DA’s 2026 Fall Meeting? Don’t wait — this year’s program features high‑value briefings, updates from key Military partners, and dedicated time for industry collaboration. Whether you’re attending sessions, exhibiting, or meeting with customers, the Fall Meeting is your best opportunity to stay informed and connected. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta and continuing the work that strengthens our industrial base. For detailed information please visit our webpage at https://www.militaryfood.org/fall-meetings before September 29thto take advantage of the early-bird rate. We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!

08/16/2026

Today is National Airborne Day! 🪂

We salute the courage, dedication, and service of our nation’s airborne forces—from the historic first jump in 1940 to all who wear the wings today.
Airborne! All the Way! 🇺🇸

08/07/2026

Today is National Purple Heart Day. The original decoration, Badge of Military Merit, was created by General George Washington on 7 August 1782. We remember and honor those wounded or killed while serving. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten!🇺🇸💜🇺🇸💜

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!

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

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.

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!

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.🇺🇸

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

Website

http://www.militaryfood.org/

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