“The need is real, and it is urgent” those are the words of Military Family Advisory Network (MFNA) CEO Shannon Razsadin.
On Wednesday October 15, MFAN launched the Emergency Grocery Support effort to support military families facing uncertainty and financial strain due to the ongoing government shutdown. Although military forces were paid their mid-month paycheck, there is still growing uncertainty for future pay checks as the government shutdown continues. Within the first two hours of launching Emergency Grocery Support over 1,000 military families signed up for support. By the end of the day that number was up to over 8,500 military families.
Military families face uncertainty
Military families are facing uncertainty, adding stress and putting pressure on those who serve our nation. During a government shutdown, service members continue working without pay. Interventions can take place just like they did for the October 15 paychecks. President Trump directed the Pentagon to repurpose, unspent funds from the research and development (R&D). Coast Guard members which fall under the Department of Homeland Security received funding through a separate initative. But paying service members was only a temporary fix. It is unlikely a second paycheck will be received at the end of the month if the government shut down continues. And furloughed government employees did not see any funding measures passed to support their missed paychecks.
Challenges from the military community
MFAN shared some of the things they have heard from the military community. One military spouse shared, “The shutdown has brought unwanted worry and stress during an already challenging time with a spouse deployed.” Another highlighted the strain of a missed paycheck and the impact it may have on her family stating, “We are at risk of losing the only vehicle we have, and I might not be able to afford groceries this month.”
The first grocery boxes are on their way, sent out on Thursday October 16. The boxes contain enough food for a week for a family and a $25 Commissary gift card for additional support. Umoja Health in Houston helped MFAN get the first boxes out the door and to military families in need.
Supporting those in need
If you are a military family, active duty, National Guard or Reserve, in need you can sign up to receive a box from MFAN here. MFAN is working around the clock to meet families where they are, but they cannot do it alone. They are looking for organization to partner with along with support from those who want to support the military community.
With the government shutdown and current hopes of an end coming soon unlikely, the fear and uncertainty among those affected by the current shut down continues on.
