Abstract: A packaged meal kit includes a container, a liner, a first cold pack, a frozen food item, a protective insert, a non-frozen food item, a second cold pack, and instructions. The liner is disposed adjacent an interior of the container. The first cold pack is disposed in a bottom of the container adjacent the liner. The frozen food item is disposed above the first cold pack. The protective insert is disposed above the frozen food item. The protective insert includes a hollow cross-section. The non-frozen food item is disposed in the hollow cross-section. The second cold pack is disposed above the protective insert. Instructions are disposed in the container for preparing a meal including the frozen and non-frozen food items.