Food insecurity is a growing concern in the United States, affecting millions of households each year. Among the vulnerable populations, military families—those we often assume are well-supported—are facing an alarming struggle to put food on the table. Despite serving their country, many service members and their families experience food insecurity, impacting their health, well-being, and mission readiness.
Understanding Food Insecurity in the Military Community
Food insecurity, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. In military families, this issue is influenced by unique factors such as frequent relocations, high living costs, and challenges with spousal employment.
According to a RAND Corporation study, approximately 25.8% of active-duty service members experienced food insecurity in 2018. Similarly, the Military REACH project at Auburn University highlights that younger service members, those with larger families, and those of lower rank are at higher risk. The issue is compounded by military policies, such as counting the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as income when determining eligibility for federal food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which can disqualify struggling families from receiving aid.
Why Are Military Families Struggling?
Several factors contribute to food insecurity among military families, including:
- Low Pay for Junior Enlisted Members – Entry-level service members (E1–E4) earn modest salaries, often below what is needed to support a family, especially in high-cost living areas.
- Spousal Unemployment and Underemployment – Military spouses face high unemployment rates due to frequent relocations and lack of job opportunities on or near bases.
- High Cost of Living in Some Duty Stations – Housing, childcare, and basic necessities can be more expensive in certain areas, stretching military paychecks thin.
- Frequent Moves and Deployments – Relocations disrupt employment, financial stability, and access to local food assistance programs.
- Stigma Around Seeking Help – Many service members fear that using food assistance programs could negatively impact their careers or security clearances.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Military Readiness
Food insecurity not only affects the physical health of service members and their families but also has psychological and operational consequences. Studies have linked food insecurity to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can reduce job performance and retention rates. For children in military families, inadequate nutrition can lead to developmental delays and poor academic performance.
Efforts to Address Military Food Insecurity
Recognizing the severity of the problem, Congress mandated a report on food insecurity in the military through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. Some steps taken to address the issue include:
- Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) – A financial assistance program designed to help low-income service members meet their basic needs.
- Expansion of Food Assistance Programs – Advocates are pushing for policy changes to exclude BAH from income calculations for SNAP eligibility.
- Nonprofit and Community Support – Organizations like Feeding America and the Military Family Advisory Network provide food pantries and resources for struggling military families.
- Financial Education and Support Programs – Increasing financial literacy and budgeting resources to help families better manage expenses.
What More Can Be Done?
To ensure that no military family goes hungry, further action is needed. Recommendations include:
- Policy Reforms – Excluding BAH from SNAP eligibility calculations and expanding military-specific food assistance programs.
- Improved Data Collection – Conducting regular, comprehensive studies to fully understand the scope of food insecurity in the military.
- Community Awareness and Support – Encouraging military bases and local communities to create accessible food resources without stigma.
- Stronger Employment Support for Military Spouses – Increasing remote work opportunities, job training, and employment protections for military spouses.
Conclusion
Food insecurity among military families is a critical issue that contradicts the ideal of honoring and supporting those who serve. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, combining government policy changes, military support programs, and community-driven initiatives. By acknowledging and taking action, we can ensure that no service member or their family has to struggle to put food on the table.
For those looking to help, consider donating to military-focused food programs, advocating for policy changes, or simply raising awareness about this hidden struggle within our armed forces. Our service members dedicate their lives to protecting the nation—it’s time we ensure they and their families are protected from hunger.
