Food and Economic Security
Discover how MFAN’s latest effort, the MFANetwork, supports military family well-being by building healthy bodies, families, homes, and futures.
Through multiple research efforts and shared experiences over the past decade, MFAN recognizes that too many military families struggle to make ends meet.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we have been able to provide immediate relief to those in need, conduct research to understand the underlying factors, and convene change makers to create a lasting impact.
As we continue to work toward dignified solutions that address the root causes, we are proud to share our next step in combating food insecurity, the MFANetwork.
What is food insecurity?
When families are unable to consistently afford or access adequate meals, they face a challenge known as food insecurity.
According to our latest research, one in five military and veteran families face this challenge — skipping meals, choosing between buying food or paying rent, and leaning on food pantries for support when times are particularly tough.
No military family should ever have to worry where their next meal is coming from. But for some, that’s the reality.
2017
15% of survey respondents reported food insecurity
2019
One in eight military and veteran families were experiencing food insecurity
2021
During COVID-19, one in five military and veteran families were food insecure
2022
One in six military and veteran families were food insecure
2023
One in five military and veteran families were food insecure, rising to one in four among active duty families.
From 2021-2022, MFAN and our partners distributed over 1.5 million meals nationwide through our 1 Million Meals Challenge, launched a task force with the world’s leading food brands, and conducted critical research to uncover the causal factors that place military families at the greatest risk of food insecurity.
Thanks to our generous supporters, we have served thousands of military families in need. But our work is not yet done.
“INSTEAD OF HAVING THREE MEALS A DAY, WE ATE TWO. SOMETIMES, WE SLEPT IN LATE SO WE COULD BEAT THE HUNGER AND EAT ONCE A DAY.”
Why do military families experience food insecurity?
In 2022, MFAN released a first-of-its-kind study, “Causal Factors of Military and Veteran Family Food Insecurity,” to better understand what leads a service member or veteran and their family to the point of food insecurity. The key themes to emerge include recent moves, growing families, military spouse unemployment, and unexpected expenses.
I WON’T EAT IF IT MEANS MY KIDS CAN EAT. MY HUSBAND IS THE SOLDIER, AND HE NEEDS THE FOOD MORE THAN MYSELF AS WELL.
CBS Evening News: Military families are increasingly turning to food banks
Military families move, on average, every two-and-a-half years. And every time families move, there’s a complete restart. That means looking for a new job, finding new childcare, getting set up with new schools, finding a new home.
Cox Media Group: Military families struggling with food insecurity
“People assume that if you’re in the military you’re taken care of, but the reality is that families in some cases are struggling and they’re having a hard time making ends meet,” says MFAN’s Shannon Razsadin.
Things That Go Boom: Are military families really going hungry?
Food insecurity in the force… and what we can do about it. New research shows that one-in-six military families don’t have consistent access to healthy food. So, how is it that service members and their families are finding basic necessities out of reach?
Offsetting the Costs of Moves and Stocking Pantries
Military families move every two and a half years on average. Frequent moves, or permanent changes of station, can present financial strain and social challenges.
Discover how MFAN formed a partnership with leading brands to aid military families during moves by distributing PCS Pantry Restock Boxes designed to get families started in their new homes.
More Food and Economic Security Topics
Food Assistance
MFAN and our partners host food distributions throughout the nation to provide immediate relief to food insecure military families.
Our Impact on Food Insecurity
We are committed to providing both big-picture solutions and immediate on-the-ground assistance to military families.
Military Food Insecurity Statistics
Our research consistently shows that military families have been quietly struggling with food insecurity.
RESOURCES
“Food Matters” Webinar
How to stock your pantry, build a balanced plate, and avoid waste. Nutrition professionals teach you how to prepare nutritious meals and avoid food waste for your family.
WIC for Military Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and children from birth to age five.
WHAT MILITARY FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW: FEDERAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Did you know there are programs to help provide healthy meals to your military family? Learn more about SNAP, WIC, Summer Food Service Program, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and more.
MilMap: Connect to community & find support
Let us connect you with the organizations, programs, and events that help you navigate military family life.
MilMap can help you find support for your military move, resources for kids, employment support, health and wellness information, crisis resources, and much more.
