The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has stopped charging for single-use bags, reversing a month-old policy that took effect April 6.

Shoppers were paying 5 cents per plastic bag and 10 cents per paper bag under the systemwide policy. Some commissaries may continue to charge fees for single-use bags as required by state or local laws, according to the agency's website, and some locations (those in Hawaii, for example), do not offer single-use bags.

DeCA did not offer a reason for the reversal in its announcement. Providing single-use bags costs the agency $17 million a year, Military Times reported.

Reusable bags will remain available for purchase throughout the commissary system.

Sidewalk Sale Update

Commissaries have traditionally put on weekend sidewalk sales in May, but the agency had not announced any plans for such sales this year as of May 6. A request for information from MOAA was not returned.

All 177 U.S.-based stores held the sales last year. The May sales have taken place every year since 2020, when they were called off because of COVID-19 concerns.

A "Spring Savings Event" is set for May 14-17 at stateside locations. Find deals by clicking the "On Sale" filter on DeCA's online shopping site, or find your store's homepage through the Store Locator for local offerings.