Food insecurity is a complicated issue, and several factors give rise to its prevalence across all military- and Veteran-connected families - no matter their rank. Research is just now starting to catch up to what is already known:
The unique challenges that service members, past and present, and their families face - from spouse un- and underemployment, to child care costs, student loans, and out-of-pocket living expenses - contribute to the complexities that lead to the inaccessibility of nutritious foods.
That is why Blue Star Families is committed to making food insecurity a thing of the past by rallying around military and Veteran families, delivering military and civilian resources to those in need and empowering them to thrive.
Nourish The Service Articles
Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap
The TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Version In November 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued a memo, “Strengthening Economic Security in the Force.” It directed the following actions: increase Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) extend Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) in areas with housing shortages field a new Military Leaders Economic Security Toolkit to help…
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More Than a Grocery Store: Everything You Need to Know About the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
In the military world, summer is the unofficial “PCS season.” Each year, about 600,000 military families relocate through a permanent change of station (PCS) or transition out of the military. Upon arriving at a new duty station, one of the first stops for a military family is the grocery store to replenish the food items…
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Your Voice Matters: The Importance of Participating in the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey
Since 2009, Blue Star Families has been providing a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and challenges encountered by military families through the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (aMFLS). The results: Provide important insights and data that inform leaders, communities, organizations, and the philanthropic sector when assessing and acting on behalf of military and Veteran community…
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Military Kids, Childhood Food Insecurity, and Resources to Help
Military Kids, Childhood Food Insecurity, and Resources to Help Military children are the highlight of the month of April. When military families serve around the world, military kids serve, too–moving on average every two to three years. These moves can be a challenge, disrupting school, relationships, and ties to their communities. Therefore, it’s no wonder…
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When Data Supports the Experiences: Blue Star Families’ Social Impact Report
When Data Supports the Experiences: Blue Star Families’ Social Impact Report As part of Blue Star Families’ Racial Equity & Inclusion Initiative (REI), the organization hosted a virtual two-day event in February to release a report titled, Blue Star Families’ Social Impact Research 2021: The Diverse Experiences of Military & Veteran Families of Color. The…
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Reducing Financial Pressure: Financial Resources and WIC Information for Military Families
Reducing Financial Pressure: Financial Resources and WIC Information for Military Families Various factors influence food insecurity, and one of the most frustrating excuses for the presence of food insecurity is financial mismanagement. Financial literacy is not the end-all-be-all factor in ending food insecurity in the military. What will help? Spouse employment. Affordable child care. Higher…
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