Military families are lining up for food drop-offs, pantry pickups and emergency grocery boxes, according to the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). The organization reported more than 50,000 requests for help in just three days.
The impact of the longest government shutdown in history, which as of Monday surpassed 40 days but potentially could reopen this week due to Senate Democrats reaching across the aisle, is hitting military families in every branch, state and pay grade.
Families that live paycheck to paycheck are asking for food, gas and diapers. National Guard and Reserve troops are struggling because canceled drills mean no pay. Nonprofits are shipping emergency groceries to keep cupboards from going empty. A previous Military.com report warned that troops may soon miss paychecks if the shutdown is not resolved.
Families Are Asking for Food, Not Extras
MFAN CEO Shannon Razsadin, in a conversation with Military.com, described a surge of requests for food support from every branch and every state.
“The need is real and urgent,” Razsadin said. “Military families are strong, but strength does not fill a pantry. Even when the government reopens, the ripple effects will be felt for months.”
MFAN is shipping boxes of shelf-stable food to every branch and every state. Each box includes enough groceries for a family of four, in addition to a grocery gift card helping families buy fresh food that pantries do not provide. Support is available at combatmilitaryhunger.org and mfan.org.
Razsadin said National Guard and Reserve families are feeling the sharpest financial hit. Many drills were canceled. Pay disappeared overnight. Parents are preparing for more missed income.
A recent Military.com report documented a surge in food pantry visits as drills disappeared.
Food banks near large installations report rising demand, according to MFAN. The group said parents are skipping snacks and cutting portions to stretch groceries. Some families are asking for diapers and formula along with food.
MFAN said shoppers are putting items back at the register when debit cards come up short. Families are also relying on relatives for groceries and gas.
Bills do not stop when paychecks do. Military.com reported that installations nationwide are trying to expand on-base food options as demand rises.
Military.com reached out to Blue Star Families, Armed Services YMCA and Feeding America for comment.
Pentagon Blames Democrats for Pain at Home
The Pentagon like others federal agencies under Republican leadership blamed Democrats for the nefarious impacts to millions of Americans.
“The Democrats have voted over a dozen times to withhold pay from federal workers and uniformed service members, making it hard on everyone’s family to pay rent, enjoy Thanksgiving, and buy Christmas presents for their children,” Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told Military.com. “Our service members will always be our priority.”
The Pentagon remains grateful to groups helping families with groceries during the shutdown, Wilson added.
