McAllen, Texas-Based Food Company Prepares Aid Packages for Afghan Refugees.

Byline: Jerry Mahoney

Oct. 10--For 20 years, Right Away Foods in McAllen quietly prepared packets of food for soldiers and Air Force personnel whose duties took them away from the relative comfort of barracks and bases. Called meals ready-to-eat and known as MREs to the military, they are the staple of the company's business.

But U.S. Air Force cargo planes that dropped food to Afghan refugees Sunday -- even while other planes were bombing military targets in Afghanistan -- have highlighted the humanitarian sideline of the company's business.

Right Away Foods is one of three U.S. companies that prepare and ship food aid packages under contract with …