US News
Research finds nearly half of active-duty military families faced food insecurity in 2025
The Guardian reports rising food insecurity and housing strain among active-duty families, citing research and an Army report.
The short version
- Nearly half of active-duty military families experienced food insecurity in 2025, according to a nonprofit's research.[The Guardian]
- The Killeen ASYMCA food pantry delivered 500,000 pounds of food to more than 19,000 families in 2025.[The Guardian]
- Only 77 families received the basic needs allowance supplement in its first year, in 2023.[The Guardian]
- An Army report says only 37% of soldiers found housing within their allowance in 2025, down from 58% in 2020.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Nearly half of active-duty military families experienced food insecurity in 2025, according to research from the non-profit Military Families Advisory Network.[The Guardian]
- The Killeen ASYMCA delivered 500,000 pounds of food to more than 19,000 families in 2025.[The Guardian]
- Only 77 families received the basic needs allowance supplement in its first year, 2023.[The Guardian]
- According to a report from the Army's Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness, only 37% of soldiers found housing within their allowance in 2025, down from 58% in 2020.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The military does not publish enrollment data for the basic needs allowance, so current participation levels are unknown.[The Guardian]
- All facts in this story come from a single outlet, The Guardian, and have not been independently corroborated.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.