Strengthen food security: Support your teammates

Military readiness is essential for effective mission execution. Food security, which can directly or indirectly affect Service Members’ mental and physical readiness, retention, and health outcomes, is essential for maintaining military readiness. You might not have experienced food insecurity yourself, but there’s a chance that others you serve with have. 

More than 44 million people in the United States experience food insecurity every year. And, like many social and economic issues, some communities are at greater risk for food insecurity than others. In 2024, USDA published a study comparing food insecurity between active-duty military and civilian adult populations. Food insecurity among military communities was 2.5 times greater than their equivalent civilian communities.

Food insecurity can be temporary or situational, but it can also be a long-term issue. Risk for food insecurity can be influenced by many factors including poverty and unemployment, lack of affordable housing or transportation, chronic health conditions or disability, and systemic discrimination. Service Members and their families face additional, unique challenges such as frequent moves, remote duty stations where food access or variety might be limited, long or altered work hours when dining facilities are closed, and high rates of partner unemployment. 

So, how can you help? First, don’t make assumptions. Enlisted, officers, rookies, and veterans can all experience food insecurity. Second, drop the stigma. Food insecurity is often a hidden problem, and people may not seek help because of shame and embarrassment. Widespread awareness about food insecurity and normalizing compassionate discussion around the issue may combat the stigma. Finally, the “Strengthening food security: How to support your peers” infographic provides more ideas and resources. 

Resources

For Service Members:

• CHAMP Food Security Resources 
• Tricare Food Insecurity Resources
• Military OneSource Food Security Resources
• USDA National Hunger Hotline
• Family resource office
• Map the Meal Gap

For Leaders:

• Tips to target food insecurity on your installation
• U.S. Department of Defense’s Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap
• Congressional Hunger Center Discussion Guide
• Assessing Food Security 
• Command Climate Assessment surveys
• End Hunger in 30 Challenge

When it comes to food insecurity, show you’ve “got their six” by looking out for them and providing support. To learn more about HPRC’s annual #GotMySix campaign and other ways to support your peers, visit HPRC’s #GotMySix campaign page.