By Thumper

A hot meal, the historical importance of this goes without saying. Keeping the team nourished in good times and bad is important. Keeping the meals simple and quick to prepare in any conditions is the challenge, here are some ideas on how I found what works best for me.

With me, it started with storage, what kind of container and how big should it be. At work, I use materials that are shipped in weekly, and the boxes they come in we dispose of. I throw away about 25 boxes a week. So I choose to re-use these boxes for my purposes. The boxes are 13 inches x 13 inches x 13 inches.
         
I went to Gordon Food Service for larger size canned food and a better variety of main courses. I selected 1 - 6 lbs. can main course with meat, 1-6 lbs. can of vegetables, 1 - 6 lbs. can of diced potato's and some kind of fruit or fruit cocktail. You can choose what ever you like, just make sure what fits into the box. All canned foods are pre-cooked, this ways, if time does not permit, you can serve the meal cold.
            

With room left in the box, I added 15 disposable food trays, disposable utensils, napkins, salt & pepper. Next I went to the dollar store for mixing spoons, can opener, matches, and trash bags for clean up. (everything in this box is disposable, one box is totally self serving). I've even found dollar store fry pans and pots for one time use ($1). Label each box, list weight.

              

Next, to heat up, you may use a bar-b-que, campfire, Coleman stove or the engine block of your car. Everything you need to serve your team is included. Add a case of bottled water for every box you make and you have the total feeding package. Bottled water needs no cups, remember-in emergencies you may be serving un-prepared neighbors or citizens. One box serves 15 persons, if team leaders or members carried one box in their vehicle plus bottled water, together logistics will be improved. Remember, pick up your trash and properly dispose of it. Never leave a mess.

Left: An example of a pre-packed box-o-breakfast. Right, Thumper with a squad feast, ready to go.