GIFT OF GROCERIES: Gift cards available to support eligible commissary patrons for their purchases of groceries, essential home items

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click here.

FORT LEE, Va. - Anyone can purchase Commissary Gift Cards to help military families put food on the table, the Defense Commissary Agency's (DeCA) senior enlisted advisor said.

Whether it's a gift, part of a care package or just a way to help relieve a financial burden, Commissary Gift Cards are available to support eligible patrons when they purchase groceries in any of DeCA's 235 stores worldwide.

"This program enables family, friends and organizations to purchase Commissary Gift Cards and give the gift of groceries to the members of our military community," said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the agency director. "Giving these cards is a wonderful way to say 'thank you for your service.'"

Here are some commissary gift card quick facts:

• Gift cards are available at all commissaries worldwide. In-store gift card purchases range from $5 to $300 per card. There are no fees when the card is purchased in a store
• Cards can be purchased individually online in standard denominations of $10, $25 and $50 through the DeCA website at https://www.decacards.com/product/commissary-gift-card/. Cards purchased online incur a shipping and handling fee
• Cards can be purchased online in bulk. Bulk orders can be requested in customized amounts - even with an organization's logo attached. Further details are worked out before the order is finalized
• There is no limit to the number of gift cards that a purchaser can buy. It's recommended that organizations and activities consider buying their gift cards online if they plan to make bulk purchases
• Cards are good for five years from the date of purchase and can only be redeemed for authorized merchandise at DeCA commissaries. They also cannot be redeemed for cash or credit
• Commissary Gift Cards are also available in military exchange stores
• Cards can be shipped anywhere in the United States. When shipping outside the United States, an APO, FPO or DPO address must be used
• For customer service, please go to https://www.decacards.com/lets-talk/get-support/

"As we're approaching the holidays or anytime you want a way to support eligible commissary patrons, consider the gift card," Rivers said. "They're quick and easy to purchase but mean so much to that military family sitting down to the dinner table."

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.