Food Insecurity
Combat Military Hunger
In 2019, 1 in 8 of our national survey respondents was experiencing food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the issue, causing that number to rise to 1 in 5, shown by results released in 2021. Now, our research released in 2022 shows that 1 in 6 military families are food insecure.
No military family should ever have to worry where their next meal is coming from. But for too many, that’s the reality. Thanks to our generous supporters, we have met our goal of providing one million meals to military families in need across the nation. But our work is not yet done.
“INSTEAD OF HAVING THREE MEALS A DAY, WE ATE TWO. SOMETIMES, WE SLEPT UNTIL LATE SO WE COULD BEAT THE HUNGER AND EAT ONCE A DAY.”
When families are unable to consistently afford or access adequate meals, they face a challenge known as food insecurity.
Too many military and veteran families are facing this challenge, skipping meals, making difficult choices between buying food or other essential items, and leaning on food pantries, churches, and family members for support when times are particularly tough.
We have been tracking the issues of food insecurity and hunger in the military community for years. Our research consistently shows that military families have been quietly struggling with food insecurity. In 2019, 1 in 8 of our national survey respondents was experiencing food insecurity. Data released in 2021 showed the number rose to 1 in 5 in some parts of the country, such as Washington state. The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded the issue of food insecurity among military families and has lasting impacts. Our most recent research released in 2022 shows that 1 in 6 military families are food insecure.
We are committed to providing both big-picture solutions and immediate on-the-ground assistance to military families in need across the country — hosting food distribution events, connecting families with resources, and continuing our research.
More Food Insecurity Topics
Food Assistance
MFAN is hosting food distribution events throughout 2021 to provide food assistance to military and veteran families.
Our Impact on Food Insecurity
We are committed to providing both big-picture solutions and immediate on-the-ground assistance to military families who are experiencing food…
Military Food Insecurity Statistics
Our research consistently shows that military families have been quietly struggling with food insecurity.
“I WON’T EAT IF IT MEANS MY KIDS CAN EAT. MY HUSBAND IS THE SOLDIER, AND HE NEEDS THE FOOD MORE THAN MYSELF AS WELL.”
WEBINARS
Food Matters
How to stock your pantry, build a balanced plate, and avoid waste. Nutrition professionals teach you how to prepare nutritious meals and avoid food waste for your family.
MilMap: Connect to community & find support
Let’s connect with the organizations, programs, and events that help us all navigate military family life.
MilMap can help you find support for your military move, resources for kids, employment support, health and wellness information, crisis resources and much more.
