Military Families Face Rising Food Insecurity as Shutdown Intensifies; Cohen Clinics Step Up Support

November 11, 2025 – As the nation’s longest government shutdown stretches into its 42nd day, military families are facing a surge in food insecurity, forcing many to rely on food banks and charitable organizations for assistance. In response, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics are donating $22,000 to 22 local food banks, providing $1,000 to each to help meet the growing demand. While the donation is a welcome relief, experts warn it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem.

Shutdown Exacerbates Existing Challenges

Food insecurity among military families has been a persistent concern for years, often hidden behind a facade of service and sacrifice. Factors like frequent relocations, unpredictable income, and the complexities of navigating federal benefits contribute to the vulnerability. Recent data shows that over 25% of active-duty military members and their families struggle with access to enough food, a rate higher than the national average.

“The shutdown just amplified existing problems,” explained a representative from the Military Family Food Insecurity Coalition, speaking anonymously. “Families were already stretched thin, and now they’re facing delayed paychecks, cancelled benefits, and the sheer anxiety of not knowing what’s next.”

This year's shutdown is uniquely impacting SNAP benefits, crucial for many military households, and the HUD-VASH program, providing housing assistance to vulnerable veterans. A recent estimate suggests over 107,000 veterans in Texas alone could be affected by these pauses. Food banks are experiencing a significant increase in requests, with some reporting a 50% jump in assistance needed.

Cohen Clinics Step Up Support
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics, a network dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality mental health care to veterans and their families, recognized the urgency of the situation. They announced the $22,000 donation to food banks in the communities they serve, echoing a similar initiative from the previous year.

“We understand that food insecurity is a significant stressor for military families, and it can have a direct impact on their mental and emotional well-being,” said a spokesperson for the Cohen Clinics, echoing language from the press release. “We’re committed to supporting these families in any way we can, and this donation is one small step we’re taking to address their immediate needs.”

Beyond Food: The Holistic Impact of Insecurity

Experts emphasize that food insecurity isn’t just about hunger; it’s a complex issue that affects all aspects of a family’s life. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. Children who experience food insecurity are more likely to struggle in school and have behavioral problems.

“When parents are constantly worrying about where their next meal is coming from, it’s hard for them to focus on anything else, including their children’s well-being,” said a social worker specializing in military family support, speaking anonymously. “It creates a cycle of stress and hardship that can be difficult to break.”

The Cohen Clinics’ holistic approach, which integrates mental health care with case management services, aims to address these underlying challenges. They provide support with employment, housing, finances, and other essential needs, recognizing that addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive strategy.

The Need for Systemic Solutions

While donations like the Cohen Clinics’ are vital, experts warn they are not a long-term solution. Systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of food insecurity among military families.

“We need to ensure that military families have access to adequate income, affordable housing, and comprehensive benefits,” explained the representative from the Military Family Food Insecurity Coalition. “We also need to streamline the process for accessing SNAP and other assistance programs, and ensure that these programs are adequately funded.”

Several potential solutions have been proposed, including:

• Increasing Basic Pay: Raising the base pay for military personnel can help alleviate financial strain.
• Expanding SNAP Eligibility: Adjusting income thresholds and addressing complexities in eligibility criteria can make SNAP more accessible.
• Improving Transition Assistance: Providing better support to service members transitioning to civilian life can help them find stable employment and housing.
• Investing in Affordable Housing: Increasing the availability of affordable housing options can reduce the burden on military families.
• Creating a Dedicated Military Food Security Program: Establishing a dedicated program to address the unique needs of military families can ensure that they receive the support they deserve.

A Call to Action

The ongoing government shutdown and the rising food insecurity among military families serve as a stark reminder that those who serve our nation deserve our unwavering support. While the Cohen Clinics’ donation is a welcome step, it is crucial that policymakers, community organizations, and individuals work together to address the root causes of this issue and ensure that all military families have access to the resources they need to thrive.

“We can’t just stand by and watch as our military families struggle,” said the social worker specializing in military family support. “We have a moral obligation to help them.”