To authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to assess the efficacy of providing junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces a monthly coupon for use in procuring food at commissaries.
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program aimed at addressing food insecurity among junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces. This program will provide eligible members with a monthly coupon for use in procuring food at military commissaries. The primary goal is to assess the efficacy of this direct assistance in ensuring access to affordable and healthy food options for service members. The pilot program will be conducted at two military installations , selected based on criteria such as a high number of junior enlisted members living in unaccompanied housing and the availability of commissaries with nutritious food selections. Coupons are strictly for food purchases at commissaries, explicitly prohibiting the purchase of alcohol or tobacco. Importantly, these coupons are intended to supplement existing food assistance , such as the basic allowance for subsistence, rather than replace it. The program is designed to run for a maximum of one year , after which the Secretary of Defense must submit a comprehensive report to Congress. This report will evaluate various aspects, including coupon usage rates, member satisfaction, and the impact on both commissary and dining facility utilization. Furthermore, it will assess the program's effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and increasing the availability of nutritious food for junior enlisted members, particularly those residing in unaccompanied housing.
To authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to assess the efficacy of providing junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces a monthly coupon for use in procuring food at commissaries.
USA119th CongressHR-6586| House
| Updated: 12/10/2025
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program aimed at addressing food insecurity among junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces. This program will provide eligible members with a monthly coupon for use in procuring food at military commissaries. The primary goal is to assess the efficacy of this direct assistance in ensuring access to affordable and healthy food options for service members. The pilot program will be conducted at two military installations , selected based on criteria such as a high number of junior enlisted members living in unaccompanied housing and the availability of commissaries with nutritious food selections. Coupons are strictly for food purchases at commissaries, explicitly prohibiting the purchase of alcohol or tobacco. Importantly, these coupons are intended to supplement existing food assistance , such as the basic allowance for subsistence, rather than replace it. The program is designed to run for a maximum of one year , after which the Secretary of Defense must submit a comprehensive report to Congress. This report will evaluate various aspects, including coupon usage rates, member satisfaction, and the impact on both commissary and dining facility utilization. Furthermore, it will assess the program's effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and increasing the availability of nutritious food for junior enlisted members, particularly those residing in unaccompanied housing.