Method and apparatus for dating a food product

A method of dating a food product comprising:

• packaging a plurality of packages of a food product into a storage container through a first opening of the storage container;
• closing the first opening of the storage container;
• and
• after packaging the plurality of packages and closing the first opening, marking the plurality of packages with a date while the plurality of packages are located within the storage container through a second opening of the storage container.

A cardboard box storage container comprising:

• a base;
• a plurality of sidewalls that extend upwardly from the base and oriented generally normal to the base to define a storage area, the plurality of sidewalls each including a first end coupled to the base and a second end opposite the first end;
• a first opening formed by the second ends of the plurality of sidewalls;
• a top flap that closes the first opening to inhibit access to the storage area;
• and
• a side flap formed in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the side flap movable between a closed position to inhibit access to the storage area and an open position to facilitate access to the storage area.