Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Reduce Hunger Among Military Families

Monterey, CA - U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Military Food Security Act of 2025. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would ensure that military families have better access to affordable and healthy food.

The Pentagon found that 24% of all active duty servicemembers, or approximately 286,800 personnel, experienced food insecurity in 2020 and 2021. More recently, the Office of the Secretary of Defense partnered with the RAND Corporation to discover that 25.8% of personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard were food insecure.

The bill excludes the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from income calculations used to determine eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA). This change would remove an unintended barrier that prevents some military families from qualifying for food assistance.

"Too many of our servicemembers and their families struggle to put food on the table because of outdated rules and red tape," said Rep. Panetta. "Our bipartisan Military Food Security Act fixes the eligibility formula for food assistance so it reflects the real financial challenges military families face. We must ensure that no one who serves our country ever goes hungry."

Reps. Blake Moore (UT-1), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Maggie Goodlander (NH-2), Jen Kiggans (VA-2), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), and Josh Riley (NY-19) joined Rep. Panetta in leading the legislation. Earlier this year, Rep. Panetta also led over 50 Members of Congress urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to prioritize funding to combat food insecurity in the FY26 appropriations bill.

"Too many military families struggle to afford food-a betrayal of the tremendous sacrifices they make for our nation," said Senator Blumenthal. "The Military Food Security Act removes outdated rules and unnecessary obstacles preventing servicemembers from obtaining the benefits they have earned to help buy groceries and make nutritious meals. This critical legislation ensures service members can stay mission-focused-defending our nation-without the added burden of worrying how they'll put food on the table for their families."

"The Pentagon recently reported that nearly 26% of U.S. military personnel experienced food insecurity in 2023. No military member should have to choose between serving our country and providing food for their families," said Rep. Moore. "That's why I'm supporting bipartisan, common-sense legislation led by Congressman Panetta that widens eligibility for Basic Needs Allowance for our lower-enlisted servicemembers and ensures that more young families can support themselves in the early stages of military life."

"Caring for servicemembers and their families is the foundation of military readiness. It is unacceptable that the men and women who serve our country worry about putting food on the table," said Rep. Strickland. "I am proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Military Food Security Act to take care of military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and across the nation. We must uphold our end of the promise to our servicemembers and put an end to military hunger."

"Food costs across America are sky-high, and America's servicemembers are paying the price. Today, more than a quarter of people serving in our Armed Forces can't afford to put the food they need on the table," said Rep. Goodlander. "That's not right. And that's why I'm working to get this bipartisan bill signed into law."

"As a Navy veteran, military spouse, and Mom of a servicemember, I know firsthand the sacrifices our military families make every day. It is unacceptable that so many of them are struggling with food insecurity," said Rep. Kiggans. "The Military Food Security Act takes an important step toward fixing that problem by ensuring the Basic Needs Allowance truly reflects the financial realities our families face. We must do everything we can to support the men and women who serve, and the families who stand behind them."

"The San Diego Food Bank already serves 40,000 active-duty military personnel and veteran families every month, and with grocery costs skyrocketing, that number will likely rise even more," said Rep. Jacobs. "No one who has worn our country's uniform should struggle to put food on the table and feed their families. That's why I'm proud to help introduce the Military Food Security Act so we can alleviate military hunger and take care of those who've sacrificed so much for all of us."

"If you're willing to put on the uniform and fight for this country, you shouldn't be fighting hunger at home," said Rep. Riley. "I'm proud to help lead the Military Food Security Act because in Upstate New York, we show up for those who serve - and we don't accept anything less."

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