Military Families and Food Insecurity: 160,000 Struggling to Afford Basic Needs | Heritage Foundation USA
August 05, 2025
Food insecurity among military families is a growing national concern. A recent NBC News investigation found that over 160,000 U.S. military families are currently struggling to put food on the table. This sharp rise in military hunger reflects broader economic instability and grocery price inflation.
U.S. Military Families Face Rising Hunger
Military families are now experiencing food hardship at a scale rarely seen in modern history.
160,000+ military households are food insecure
Many families earn too much to qualify for SNAP, but too little to cover basic needs
Grocery prices have risen over 25% since 2020, making it harder to afford nutritious food
Military spouses report skipping meals to feed their children
The Department of Defense acknowledges the issue and has launched internal task forces
The Department of Defense (DoD) has admitted that too many service members are forced to make impossible choices between nutrition and rent, food and gas, child care and groceries.
The Struggle to Put Food on the Table
Military families describe being trapped in a gray zone: they do not qualify for food assistance, yet they face real hunger.
One military spouse interviewed by NBC said, “We rely on food pantries and church donations weekly.”
Many are ineligible for federal food assistance due to rigid eligibility formulas
Inflation and stagnant military pay widen the gap each month
This reality contradicts the assumption that all military families live with financial security. Military families unable to consistently afford nutritious meals is now an urgent, documented crisis.
What You Can Do
Food insecurity in U.S. military families is a solvable crisis. But action requires focus and funding.
Share this information with local representatives
Fund programs supporting food-insecure military households
Donate to trusted nonprofits like Heritage Foundation USA
The military hunger crisis isn’t about politics. It’s about meeting the basic needs of those who serve.
