In 2024, Commissary Gift Cards supported two different pilots to address military food insecurity, each backed by $2.5 million, using different approaches to provide support, education, and resources to service members and their families.

Air Force – March ARB
The March ARB pilot, run by Military & Family Readiness Dept., begins with a resource fair where vendors share information on nutrition, veteran support, and wellness services to help families make better, healthy choices. To receive a commissary gift card, participants must attend the fair and complete an eligibility form. Open to all ranks of active duty, Guard, Reserve personnel, the program focuses on education, breaking down barriers to nutritious food, and removing the stigma around food support. It is designed to make Airmen and their families feel supported, not judged, while encouraging open conversations about food and health. Early feedback shows it is already strengthening families and overall readiness.

Army – Fort Cavazos
The Army pilot, run by the Religious Support Office, targets Soldiers ranked private through staff sergeant. Commissary Gift Card values are based on family size and ages, with the first card issued via unit leader referral. Additional cards require completing a financial readiness class and ongoing budget counseling through Army Community Service. The pilot addresses immediate food needs while teaching Soldiers to manage finances responsibly. Early findings show some Soldiers spend over a third of their salary on groceries, highlighting the program’s importance in supporting families and readiness. (read article below, written by Heather Ashley, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs June 12, 2025 original article click here)

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