Abstract: A field ration packaging assembly includes a ration housing and a food tray. The ration housing includes a lid panel having at least one air exhaust vent and a wall panel having at least one intake vent. The food tray may be positioned above a heat source. The at least one air exhaust vent and at least one air intake vent may be in fluid communication such that upon activation of the heat source, air enters the ration housing through the at least one air intake vent, passes over the heat source and exits the ration housing at the at least one exhaust vent by natural convection.

Abstract: Food tray assemblies, consumer food products and methods of packaging food products are provided. In one embodiment, a food tray assembly includes a retaining structure, a first tray, and a second tray. The retaining structure has a first engaging region and the first tray is removeably engaged with the retaining structure at the first engaging region. The first tray may be removed from the retaining structure by the application of a force to the first tray in a first direction and may be engaged with the retaining structure by the application of a force to the first tray in a second direction. The second tray may be removeably engaged with the retaining structure or be an integral component with the retaining structure. The retaining structure may further comprise a living hinge that separates the first tray and the second tray.

Abstract: A field ration packaging assembly includes a ration housing and a food tray. The ration housing includes a lid panel having at least one air exhaust vent and a wall panel having at least one intake vent. The food tray may be positioned above a heat source. The at least one air exhaust vent and at least one air intake vent may be in fluid communication such that upon activation of the heat source, air enters the ration housing through the at least one air intake vent, passes over the heat source and exits the ration housing at the at least one exhaust vent by natural convection.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to containers for storing and shipping food and, more particularly, pertains to nesting containers and container assemblies. According to one embodiment, a container assembly includes an outer container and an inner container. The outer container includes an outer container wall extending upwardly from an outer container base. The outer container wall transitions into a ledge extending outwardly from the outer container wall. The inner container includes an inner container wall extending from an inner container base and transitioning into a support flange. When the container assembly is assembled, the support flange of the inner container rests upon the ledge of the outer container such that the inner container is removably nested within the outer container.