As the holidays commence, some military families are finding it hard to stretch their budgets to afford healthy, balanced meals.
This struggle is one aspect of low food security. The USDA defines very low food security as “reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.”
This means one faces challenges with getting enough healthy, varied foods.
In recognition of military-member food insecurity in the Fayetteville region, the Fort Liberty and Cumberland County Departments of Health opened a new WIC Office on the installation through the Fort Liberty Public Health Partnership in March. The office is located at 2122 Blackjack (Lane) St. at Fort Liberty.
The Military Family Advisory Network has implemented research to better understand rates and causes of food insecurity among military members nationwide. This research has demonstrated that the rate of food insecurity among military and veteran families has increased from one in eight in 2019 to one in six as of 2022.
The organization’s research on food insecurity conducted in Virginia and Texas delves into common causes of low and very low food security among military-affiliated families. Through 312 interviews with individuals in these two states, four core personas or themes emerged. Understanding these personas uncovered in this research could help remove the stigma families face.
The first theme families reported centered on military spouse unemployment due to Covid-19 and child care responsibilities. These respondents mentioned the challenge of finding employment that exceeded the cost of childcare. In response, many families lived on one income.
“My wife lost her job. So, we, and the family, both depend on both my salary and my wife’s salary,” said one Texas veteran. “So once my wife lost her job, we depend solely on my salary, which is not enough.”
The second repeated theme involved growing families and increased household expenses. As couples grow their families, expenses grow as well. Some are able to take advantage of WIC or SNAP benefits, but sometimes they can face difficulties in accessing these services.
“And with the military, when you apply for food stamps, they count your BAH, they count everything on the LES, even though we don’t see a lot of it. You know?” said a different active duty spouse in Texas. “‘Cause obviously the rent goes to the housing and stuff like that, but they still factor that out as an amount that your household is getting. So, to them, we’re getting too much money, whether we’re starving or not
The third theme respondents mentioned was challenges in relation to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses. The research notes that the families citing this issue usually did not have issues with longer-term food security prior to the PCS. This indicates that low food security can occur due to short-term circumstances even in families who usually might not experience it otherwise. People in this category reported reimbursement lags, employment insecurity, childcare costs, insufficient Basic Allowance for Housing and housing uncertainty as causes.
“This is the first time in life where I ever experienced this, you know. I’ll tell you-my husband told me about the food [drive],” said one Texas active duty spouse/partner. “I’ve never had problems with food prior to this year.”
Fighting stigma around food insecurity
Military service members and families are resourceful. When challenges, changes and uncertainties come, they have a way of moving forward despite setbacks. But hopefully this research and these experiences illuminate the fact that sometimes even the most capable military families have trouble putting food on the table.
Many respondents in the research expressed shame or embarrassment at having to access food services. If you’re struggling this holiday season, there is certainly compassion for your situation. No family should have to choose between paying a bill or providing a healthy meal.
There are resources available for both those in need of food assistance, as well as those who might want to contribute through volunteering, giving food or funding a donation.
Military life can feel isolating sometimes, but when we give what we can and receive help when we need it, it’s easier to remember we’re not in this alone.
Where to give and receive food assistance
Aria Spears is a writer, communications professional and civic leadership enthusiast. With a master's degree in nonprofit and civic leadership, Aria can be found exploring cities, persuading people to join local civic boards and sharing her book The Community Mapping Journal. When it comes to active-duty military family life, she believes that joy makes us strong.
Editor's note: As part of CityView's commitment to filling gaps by providing reporting and information for the Fort Liberty community, our HomeFront initiative features two columnists who will write regularly about issues military families face. Today: Aria Spears, who lives at Fort Liberty with her active-duty spouse, writes about food insecurity. If there's a topic you'd like for our columnists address, let us know at talk@cityviewnc.com.
