Military Food Insecurity- What is Going On?

[rebewranger]

 Military Food Insecurity- What is Going On?

.By Nathalie GroganMarch 19, 2022
 
Last November, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke at a press conference highlighting Pentagon actions to alleviate financial pressures on military service members and their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke about the hardships faced by military families, including food insecurity. The concept of service members and their families struggling to afford necessities such as groceries surprised many Americans. When the Associated Press reported research that over 150,000 troops couldn’t feed their families, the public reactions ranged from shock to outrage to kindness. While the American public may be shocked and surprised by service members struggling to afford food for their families, food insecurity among military families is not a new problem, nor is it unique to the economic challenges during the pandemic. The financial realities faced by service members, specifically those in the junior ranks with dependents, are much more challenging than annual funding levels across the Department of Defense might suggest. 

How many military families are food insecure?   

Estimates by Feeding America put the number of service members facing food insecurity at approximately 160,000. As there are more military dependents than service members and food insecurity among the troops is chronically underreported, the number of affected individuals is likely higher. Some of the resources available to service members struggling with food insecurity require the intervention of their commanding officers—making an experience that is often already regarded as shameful even more difficult to address.   

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2022/03/19/military_food_insecurity-_what_is_going_on_822629.html

[rebewranger]

Biden's plan to destroy the military is gaining strength!

[SZonian]

There are instances where a servicemember might have extenuating circumstances that cause budgetary problems (like living in an area off base that costs more than housing allowance for safety reasons), but on the whole, most of this is inflicted by the same gov't they're looking to for help.

Admin's energy policies driving the cost of fuel to $5 a gallon, thus, the ripple effect of the "hidden taxes" in the cost of goods.  Prices are climbing higher than most can comprehend.

The need to get vetted by one's commanders is to avoid abuse and ensure the servicemember is actually getting financial assistance to incorporate a budget to manage their expenses.  It is NOT and never has been to shame anyone.

If BAH is being counted as income for those living on base or renting off base, then it needs to be revised.  I can see doing that for folks buying a house as they will benefit.

[rebewranger]

I haven't read that illegal immigrants are having this problem and many of them live in posh hotels.