Military Families & Food Insecurity in Virginia
Behind the uniforms and the pride of service, many military families in Virginia are quietly facing a challenge they never expected—hunger. Rising living costs, gaps in benefits, and frequent relocations often leave active-duty service members and their families uncertain about how to keep food on the table.
Virginia is home to some of the nation’s largest military communities, including Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Belvoir, Quantico, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Yet thousands of service households near these installations depend on food assistance programs every month.
Why Military Families Are at Risk
Employment in the military does not always guarantee financial security. Several challenges make service members and their families especially vulnerable to food insecurity:
- High cost of living in areas surrounding major bases and suburban communities.
- Frequent relocations that disrupt spousal employment and family stability.
- Childcare expenses that consume a large portion of household income.
- Limitations in eligibility for federal food assistance programs due to how basic allowance for housing (BAH) is calculated as income.
The outcome is difficult choices for families—whether to pay for groceries or gas, cover the cost of diapers or dinner.
How Virginia’s Food Banks Are Responding
Food banks across the Commonwealth have recognized the unique needs of military households and are working alongside military support groups and base communities to provide dependable, stigma-free help. Their programs include:
- Mobile food pantries stationed on or near military housing areas.
- Weekend meal kits for children in military families to reduce hunger outside of school hours.
- Seasonal distributions timed with PCS moves or holiday periods, when financial strain can be especially high.
- Support tailored to Guard and Reserve members, who often face gaps in pay and benefits during transitions.
Organizations such as the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and the Capital Area Food Bank in Northern Virginia are leading these efforts, ensuring that military families can access nutritious food with dignity and confidentiality.
Finding Support in Virginia
Whether stationed in Tidewater, Northern Virginia, or the Shenandoah Valley, military families have access to multiple hunger relief programs. Some key resources include:
- Virginia Peninsula Foodbank – Newport News
- Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia – Norfolk and Virginia Beach
- Capital Area Food Bank – Northern Virginia distribution sites
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank – Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas
For immediate assistance, families can also dial 2-1-1 Virginia or visit vafoodbanks.org to find local food pantries and programs.
Standing Beside Military Families
Service members dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, but too many of their families are forced to fight a hidden battle with hunger. Supporting them means more than gratitude—it means taking action.
You can make a difference by:
- Donating to food banks that serve military communities.
- Volunteering at a food distribution event near a base.
- Raising awareness in your community so families know help is available.
No one serves alone, and no one should have to struggle alone. Together, we can ensure that military families in Virginia have reliable access to the food and nutrition they deserve.
