Food and Economic Security

Food Assistance

Over the last decade, MFAN has worked to understand the prevalence of food insecurity in the military community, identify causal factors, and provide immediate and ongoing support to those who need it most.

Military families are disproportionately affected by this issue. Our 2023 Military Family Support Programming Survey found that one in five military and veteran families were experiencing food insecurity, rising to one in four among active duty families. According to the USDA, one in eight U.S. households are food insecure.

This is not a problem that can be solved overnight. While policy solutions are being drafted, MFAN and our partners continue to deliver on our promise to service members, veterans, and their families. That’s why we created the 1 Million Meals Challenge, spearheaded the Combat Military Hunger Task Force and Military Family Food Insecurity Coalition, and built the MFANetwork.

No one should have to worry about where their next meal comes from. If you or someone you know is having difficulty putting food on the table, please see the resources below.

Find Resources

NSLP

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.

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P-EBT

Through Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT), eligible schoolchildren receive temporary emergency nutrition benefits loaded on EBT cards that they can use to buy food.

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WIC

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides participants with nutritious foods to supplement diets; information on healthy eating, including breastfeeding promotion and support; and referrals to health care.

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SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides individuals and families who have low incomes with nutrition benefits to buy food at stores.

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BNA

The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) is a monthly allowance for active duty service members with dependents whose gross household income falls below 150% of federal poverty.

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