Organizations come together to support military families arriving at Fort Cavazos
March 15, 2024FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS (March 15, 2024) – The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), a leading nonprofit for military and veteran families, joined forces with public and private partners to support families arriving at Fort Cavazos this spring. The pilot program, called the MFANetwork, is designed to ease the financial burden and stress associated with a military move or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) — and will serve more than 2,000 families this year.
During the event, volunteers packed 150 PCS Pantry Restock Boxes. Filled with carefully curated items that families must replace following a move, including shelf-stable food and essential household items, the welcome kit is valued at over $150.
“While many Americans are feeling the pinch of a strained economy, military families face unique obstacles to financial security due to frequent moves,” said Delia Johnson, Vice President of Operations at the Military Family Advisory Network. “This program is a prime example of how collaboration can drive data-informed, tangible impact. We are grateful for all our partners and look forward to growing this program in 2024 and beyond.”
The MFANetwork was designed based on insight from MFAN research to address root causes of economic insecurity and will complement programmatic efforts of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army, including Secretary Austin’s Taking Care of People initiative.
The MFANetwork is made possible in part by Tyson Foods, the Walmart Foundation, Instacart, PepsiCo Foundation, Bob Woodruff Foundation, and Wawa Foundation, with support from Armed Services YMCA, Cavalry Family Housing, Food Care Center, Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at Endeavors, and Umoja Supply Chain Solutions.
“The sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and their families can never adequately be repaid,” said Tim Grailer, Head of Social Impact for Tyson Foods. “However, we are honored to ease the difficulties that families face as they transition to a new area. This pilot program is a great example of the vision and purpose that Tyson Foods is committed to fulfilling each day.”
“We believe in serving the veterans and military families who have selflessly served our country,” said Rachel Spencer, Senior Manager of Community Resiliency for Walmart.org. “The Walmart Foundation is proud to support MFAN in ensuring military families have what they need to put food on the table, especially during times of transition.”
Rigorous program evaluation will inform programmatic updates and scaling this year. Learn how you can join MFAN in supporting military families in Central Texas and beyond at mfan.org/thenetwork. Help military families in need by donating at mfan.org/donate.
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Media Contact
Derek Doyle
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About MFAN
The Military Family Advisory Network envisions a world where all military-connected families are empowered to thrive. MFAN’s mission is to understand and amplify the needs of military-connected families and inspire data-informed change. Visit mfan.org.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is a world-class food company and recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, it has grown under four generations of family leadership. The Company is unified by this purpose: Tyson Foods. We Feed the World Like Family™ and has a broad portfolio of iconic products and brands including Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, State Fair®, Aidells® and ibp®. Tyson Foods is dedicated to bringing high-quality food to every table in the world, safely, sustainably, and affordably, now and for future generations. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company had approximately 139,000 team members as of September 30, 2023. Visit tysonfoods.com.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 19 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit walmart.org or connect on X at @Walmartorg.