The Problem
No one wants to think that a military family might struggle to put food on the table. However, for many military families, this struggle is all too real. We have known for years that food insecurity is a problem that many military families face. Food pantries operate on or near virtually every military installation. Now, finally, there is data to show the scope of the problem. The Department of Defense’s 2021 survey of active duty spouses revealed that 25% of respondents reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous year.
Addressing some of the underlying causes of military family financial instability, such as high levels of spouse unemployment, will reduce the number of families experiencing food insecurity. However, targeted assistance is also needed to help vulnerable military families afford healthy food.
Our Food Insecurity Priority
Address the issue of food insecurity among military families. Work to ensure every military family can afford to put nutritious meals on the table.
Legislation and Policy Solutions
The FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included a provision creating a targeted Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) for families whose income and household size place them below 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines. The following year, the NDAA increased the threshold to 150 percent, and gave the Department of Defense authority to further increase it to 200 percent. Creating the BNA was an important first step for military families struggling with food insecurity. Unfortunately, few families can access this much-needed assistance, because BAH is included in determining eligibility. We support H.R. 1764, the Military Food Security Act of 2023, which would exclude BAH in determining eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, is a resource for families experiencing food insecurity. However, because BAH is included in determining eligibility, few military families qualify for this valuable program. We support S. 497 and H.R. 1763, which would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude a basic allowance for housing from income for purposes of eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
“Too many military families are struggling, and we’ve heard it time and again from adults, but now military teens are speaking up, too. Passing the Basic Needs Allowance was a great first step, and it needs to be implemented quickly and effectively so that the people who need it most can feed their families.” – NMFA CEO Besa Pinchotti
