French toast, toaster pastries, and chili. Doesn't sound too bad, right? And thanks to a large amount of continuous research and development those options, plus many more, are now available for our nation's soldiers serving oversees. Many of these innovations are being developed at the Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center located in Natick. Representatives from the Center came to talk to at the Senior Center during the January Veterans Breakfast.
One of the biggest differences between what the veterans at the breakfast had when they served and what today's soldiers currently have in terms of food are options. Before the early 90s, soldiers basically ate what they were given in their Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Now, there are 24 different varieties of MREs, and all of the recipes are tested beforehand and are approved by soldiers.
One of the biggest reasons for the change in attitude about food choices is based upon giving soldiers the tastiest and healthiest meals possible in order to increase performance levels in such a demanding physical and mental job.
Although both Natick representatives Robert Bernazzani and Patty Cariveau realize that the veterans in attendance may not have gotten the same food amenities as soldiers do now, they hope that the veterans appreciate the effort being taken to make improvements.
Watch the HCAM News video below to hear more!
