l” LONG BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, MILITARY FAMILIES STRUGGLED TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. FROM FREQUENT MOVES TO HIGH RATES OF SPOUSE UNEMPLOYMENT. THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF MILITARY LIFE LEFT TOO MANY FAMILIES WITH EMPTY STOMACHS AND CUPBOARDS.” said Besa Pinchotti, executive director of the National Military Family Association.
In 2020, a Blue Star Families survey found that roughly 14 % of active-duty families who responded reported low or very low food security over the past year.
Our nonprofit organization supports and advocates for the Military Hunger Prevention Act. In the meantime, please support our Food For Troops program. Every other week, our volunteers distribute the food we receive from our collection drive and our online Amazon Food Pantry to military families on base at Joint Base Andrews and US Army Base, Ft Belvoir in Virginia. We intended to expand this program to other military bases when additional food donations arrive from caring Americans, businesses, places of worship, schools, colleges, and other organizations.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue that continues to affect members of the military. Despite their brave service and commitment to protecting our nation, many service members and their families struggle to access regular, nutritious meals. Factors such as low pay, unexpected expenses, and limited access to affordable food options contribute to this problem. Food insecurity not only impacts the physical health and well-being of military personnel but also adds significant stress and financial strain to their lives. It is crucial for our society to recognize and address this issue, providing necessary support and resources to ensure that those who bravely serve our country have consistent access to healthy and nourishing meals for themselves and their families.