August 22, 2014

The recent results of a survey by Feeding America (page 16), the largest domestic hunger-relief charity in the U.S., suggests that 620,000 households containing at least one currently serving military member utilize food banks and other food assistance programs.

That’s a staggering statistic – 25 percent of the currently serving force.

Pentagon officials were quick to refute the validity of the report’s statistics, but regardless of the actual number, the survey reflects many military families are using food banks to help make ends meet.

Recent DoD proposals to cap pay, cut back on the housing allowance, and require active duty family members to pay more for their health care will inevitably cause more military families, who are already stretched thin, to utilize these resources just to make ends meet.

These proposals pose a significant financial burden to servicemembers and their families.

Thankfully, the House rejected these budget-driven proposals in its version of the FY 2015 defense authorization bill. MOAA is working with the Senate to secure amendment sponsors to strike these three proposals from the Senate defense bill.

MOAA has worked with Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) to introduce an amendment to eliminate proposed cuts to Basic Allowance for Housing; amendments to block the active duty pay cap and health care fee increases are expected to come soon.