In a less than optimum situation, it is always nice to have options, and you are providing that for your family. The ability to heat food and water is not always just a matter of morale, but can become a component of emergency care and first aid.

That said, I think your ladies will do well with bars. I just finished some field work where lunch was three or four random bars stuffed in a pocket and munched during the day. I have done the same on bike tours - you get about twenty miles on a Clif Bar before you need to chow down again. It is a good idea to have a substantial breakfast and dinner which are also good for social interaction, planning and assessment.