Seems more like a way to burn grant money than to learn anything new. Or is this just a new "reality" show?

The Navy has been feeding people for long deployments since the beginning.

Restricted supplies of food have been dealt with on submarines.

And ground forces have lived on MREs for months as well. (Remember the runup to Gulf War I ?)

The real issue for Mars is - how to safely land there. Followed closely by obtaining air and water. Having tasty fresh food is nice, but not the highest or first priority.