by Contributor | March 8, 2023 12:42 pm
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is calling on the Department of Defense (DoD) to review and respond to questions concerning the implementation of the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) provision passed in the FY22 NDAA. The recent Department of Defense report “Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap” found that 24% of service members experience food insecurity, posing a threat to military readiness and national security.
Additionally, barriers to assistance exist for struggling military families’ access to benefit programs, such as counting a service member’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as income in determining eligibility for federal nutrition programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). BAH is also included in eligibility calculations for BNA eligibility.
As a result, low-income military families facing food insecurity can be disqualified from this resource and may be forced to rely on food pantries and food banks for emergency food assistance. Gillibrand is also asking for DoD’s support in adjusting the BNA policy she helped pass in the FY22 NDAA to curb hunger in our armed forces by categorically excluding the BAH as counted income, and is seeking a response no later than April 14, 2023. This letter is also signed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
“Hunger is an unacceptable presence at military installations across the United States and our response needs to be broad and comprehensive,” Senator Gillibrand said. “The security of our nation depends on the health and well-being of our armed forces, and I look forward to working with the Department of Defense to ensure the Basic Needs Allowance provision passed in the FY22 NDAA is implemented the way Congress intended.”
Senator Gillibrand supported the inclusion of a provision in the FY23 NDAA that would reduce hunger in the military by increasing the eligibility threshold to participate in the Basic Needs Allowance program from 130% of the federal poverty line to 150%. This change will help service members and their families afford basic household items and keep food on the table. When appropriate, this provision also authorizes the Service Secretaries to increase this benefit to 200% of the poverty line. Senator Gillibrand co-led a letter to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) asking for its inclusion in the final NDAA bill.
For the full letter, please click here[1] and see below.
Dear Under Secretary Cisneros:
Thank you for your recent statements recognizing the economic challenges facing our military families as they continue to defend our country.[1[2]] We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure our military has all the resources and support they need to succeed.
I am writing regarding the Department’s actions to address a serious issue that was surfaced in the recent “Strengthening Food Security in the Force: Strategy and Roadmap” report. The finding that food insecurity impacts 24% of the current Armed Services reflects a crisis that demands a thoughtful and robust response.[2][3] Of particular note, the report recognizes that food insecurity is a threat to our military readiness and security:
“The Department must also be ever vigilant and quick to address any and all threats to the readiness of our men and women in uniform and their families, especially those that would impact their performance, health and wellness, and enduring professional success. One such threat is food insecurity.”[3][4]
This is an issue that needs our immediate and continued attention. Congress took an initial step in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act to create a Basic Needs Allowance (“BNA”) to address food insecurity[4][5] and I have been watching closely as DoD moved towards implementation.
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