Statement Attributed to Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer
Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, applauds lawmakers for including in the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) a Military Family Basic Needs Allowance (MFBNA), which will help tens of thousands of military members put food on the table for themselves and their families. The Feeding America network of food banks and partner food organizations work overtime in communities across the country to support military families facing food insecurity, and the MFBNA will provide much-needed additional assistance through a modest monthly allowance for servicemembers struggling to afford food.
For military families, unique hardships from costly child care and increased costs of living to low salaries for junior personnel and high rates of unemployment for spouses often stretch grocery budgets to the breaking point. In fact, according to a recent survey from Blue Star Families, 14 percent of enlisted, active-duty household respondents reported facing difficulty putting food on the table in the previous year. The MFBNA is a move in the right direction toward ensuring those who sacrifice for our nation, and their loved ones, have access to the nutritious food they need to stay healthy and military-ready. We look forward to continuing to work with our lawmakers on Capitol Hill and the administration to ensure no military family has to worry about where their next meal will come from.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.