MFAN has led the charge on identifying, measuring, understanding, and combating food insecurity in the military space since 2017. Throughout the complexity of military and veteran family food insecurity, one thing has become clear: food insecurity sits at an intersection, appearing as a symptom of broader challenges.
The Problem
While the military is a microcosm of the broader population, the unique challenges and lived experiences of service members, veterans, and their families result in disproportionate rates of food insecurity. The nuances and complexities of military life, including the consequentiality of financial hardship, lead many to skip meals or choose less nutritious options.
Our latest study shows that one in five military and veteran families experience food insecurity—rising to one in four among active duty military families—compared to one in eight U.S. households.
Food insecurity rates over time among military and veteran families:
- 2017: 15%
- 2019: One in eight
- 2021: One in five
- 2022: One in six
- 2023: One in five
Our Methods
While military and veteran families’ experiences are essential to our research, we also rely on the United States Department of Agriculture’s Six-Item Short Form Food Security Scale to specifically analyze the level of food insecurity these families are facing. The USDA scale uses six statements and questions to evaluate food security, and when respondents answer affirmatively, it shows that they are having trouble getting enough food for their families in some way. The scale is a precise way to evaluate food insecurity, and when paired with families’ experiences, we get a full picture of what support is needed.
Our Findings
National Surveys
The Military Family Support Programming Survey is a national study on military life conducted every two years. As we learn more, the survey expands food insecurity questioning. Read the full reports: 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023.
Causal Factors
Published in 2022, this report is a first-of-its-kind qualitative study that illuminates the challenges those who serve face every day when attempting to put food on the table — like frequent moves, spouse unemployment, growing families, and unexpected expenses. Read the full report.
The Impact of COVID-19
This survey, fielded in the first quarter of 2021, outlines pandemic-related challenges that exacerbated an already prevalent issue within the military community. The incidences rose to one in five among the respondents. Read the full report.
Support Needs of Post-9/11 Veterans & Families
Veterans struggled with food insecurity more than retirees, who leave service with a pension and other supports not available to all veterans. Veterans also faced more obstacles with social determinants of health, such as lack of emergency savings, difficulty accessing health care, and higher rates of loneliness. In this 2021 report, 15.6% of post-9/11 veteran and military retiree family respondents said they experienced food insecurity. Read the full report.
The State of the State – Texas
In 2020, respondents from Texas said they were less likely than national respondents to seek help when they don’t have enough food. One in six was considered food insecure, according to the USDA food security scale. Read the full report.