A mess tray is the traditional way military personnel ate their food in on the cafeterias. Designed in the same fashion. the Winco SMT-1 6-Compartment Mess Tray, Style A, made of commercial grade stainless steel, simulates this military style tray. With a larger section in the middle for the main entree, surrounded by smaller compartments perfect for side dishes, this compartment mess tray is perfect in school cafeterias, hospitals and other institutions. It is also dishwasher safe.