A Military Family Advisory Network survey found that 41.2% of responding military families reported low or very low food security, with junior enlisted households and active-duty families facing the greatest strain.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Food insecurity among military families has climbed sharply over the past two years, with a new survey finding that more than 4 in 10 respondents struggled to reliably afford enough food.
The 2025 Military Family 360° Survey from the Military Family Advisory Network found that 41.2% of respondents experienced low or very low food security. That figure was up from 15.6% in 2023, nearly tripling in two years.
2025 MFAN MilFam360 Report ExecSummary Final 1 by yourNEWS Media
The nonprofit survey points to mounting financial pressure on military households as food, housing, utilities and other essential costs continue to strain family budgets.
Active-duty families reported greater hardship than veterans and retirees. Among currently serving military households, 47.2% were classified as food insecure, compared with 25.2% of transitioned families.
Junior enlisted families were among the most affected. The survey found that 57% of junior enlisted households reported food insecurity, while the rate among officer families was 13.7%.
The findings were based on responses from 10,089 people collected between October 2025 and January 2026. The report concluded that economic stability is directly tied to military readiness and said food security, housing affordability and financial well-being should be viewed as connected challenges rather than separate problems.
Housing costs were a major factor behind the financial strain. More than 84% of respondents said they were spending more on housing and utilities than they could comfortably afford.
Among active-duty families, nearly 60% said their housing costs exceeded what their Basic Allowance for Housing covered. Junior enlisted families reported the highest rates of severe housing burden.
The report also found that many families had little financial cushion. More than one-third of currently serving families said they had less than $500 in emergency savings or no emergency fund at all.
About half of currently serving families reported experiencing a financial emergency within the previous two years.
Grocery costs were the most frequently cited obstacle to saving money. The survey found that 57.7% of respondents identified rising food prices as a barrier, ranking ahead of high housing costs and unexpected vehicle repairs.
Researchers said food insecurity rarely occurs by itself. Families at highest risk included junior enlisted households, active-duty spouses, families with children and those that had recently gone through a Permanent Change of Station move.
The survey found that frequent military relocations can worsen financial instability by disrupting employment, increasing moving-related expenses, complicating access to healthcare and raising the risk of food insecurity.
The report said high housing costs leave families with less money for groceries, while broader financial distress makes both problems worse.
Researchers urged policymakers to modernize support systems for military families and address the root causes of financial hardship. They said food insecurity should be considered alongside housing affordability, income stability, spouse employment and the costs tied to repeated relocations.
The survey’s findings present food insecurity as a growing readiness concern for the armed forces, particularly among younger and lower-ranking service members whose families are carrying the heaviest financial burden.
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