28% of U.S. Troops Go Hungry: Military Family Lifestyle Survey
A military lifestyle survey reports that 28% of U.S. military families experience food insecurity directly attributable to military service, a 16% increase from the previous survey. But does the Department of Defense have what it takes to address this issue? Some believe the signs are not promising unless a serious rethink of junior enlisted pay and benefits happens in the wake of the lifestyle survey.
28% of U.S. Troops Go Hungry: Military Family Lifestyle Survey
On September 30, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave a speech to flag officers at Quantico, noting;
“Good morning and welcome to the War Department, because the era of the Department of Defense is over. You see, the motto of my first platoon was those who long for peace must prepare for war. This is, of course, not a new idea.”
Hegseth later states, “Our number one job, of course, is to be strong so that we can prevent war in the first place. The president talks about it all the time. It’s called peace through strength.”
What’s overlooked in this opening statement to a long speech about warrior culture? Whether you are Guard, Reserve, or active-duty, the answer remains the same.
An Army Marches on Its Stomach
In order to do the warrior’s job, some basic needs must be met. It is unreasonable to expect Americans to train and fight while their basic needs remain unaddressed. Hunger in the ranks is unacceptable.
And what Hegseth does not acknowledge in his speech is the old saying (attributed to both Napoleon and Fredrick the Great), “An army marches on its stomach,” referring directly to the need for food security in the ranks. And that security, for a whopping 28% of America’s total fighting force, is lacking.
Is it part of the warrior ethos for commanders to watch their military families become reliant on a military food pantry?
Economic Hardship in the Ranks of the U.S. Military
Data from a 2025 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, reviewed by veteran advocacy group Blue Star Families, reveals a major increase in economic hardship among United States service members.
The Blue Star Families official site says the agency worked in collaboration with Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, using “the data collected from the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey to provide a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and challenges encountered by military and Veteran families since 2009.”
Findings indicate that the unique demands of military service, such as frequent relocations and geographic instability, are considered “facts of life” for some military families and are the primary causes of military family food insecurity and financial debt.
The Military Family Lifestyle Survey reveals a gap between military pay and the actual cost of living. According to the survey, more than half of enlisted families struggle to meet their basic needs on their current incomes.
Findings of the 2025 Military Family Lifestyle Survey
As mentioned above, the 2025 survey reports that 28% of active-duty military families currently experience low or very low food security. This is an increase from the 16% reported in 2023.
About 22% of active duty respondents stated they eat less than they should because they lack money for food, and 30% noted they cannot afford to buy balanced meals. What follows is a Q&A based on those findings.
How does financial instability vary between enlisted and officer ranks?
Financial strain is more prevalent among enlisted personnel. The data indicate that 51% of enlisted families describe themselves as either just getting by or struggling to survive. By contrast, 17% of officer families reported the same level of financial difficulty.
Why is a second income important for these households?
Sixty-eight percent of all military families identified a second income as vital to their financial well-being. However, the military lifestyle often creates barriers to this goal. Frequent relocations and a lack of available child care remain the top obstacles preventing spouses from maintaining steady employment.
What is the financial impact of military relocations?
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves often result in out-of-pocket debt. The survey found that 65% of families who moved in the last year paid for parts of their relocation without reimbursement. The average unreimbursed cost was approximately $650. Many families report it takes a year or more to recover from these costs, yet moves typically occur every two to three years.
How satisfied are families with the military lifestyle?
Overall satisfaction among active-duty families has declined to 44%. This decline is linked to concerns about long-term stability and the impact of service on family life. Seventy-seven percent of respondents believe that the military’s support for current families will directly affect future recruitment efforts.
What are the main concerns for those transitioning out of the military?
Among those nearing separation from active duty, 68% cited the loss of quality of life benefits as their greatest worry. 58% of veterans described the transition to civilian life as difficult, often due to challenges in finding affordable housing and managing new financial responsibilities.
What problems do military families face regarding healthcare and child care?
The study indicates military families with serious medical needs reported difficulty accessing specialized care, often due to long waitlists in new locations after a move. Regarding child care, a lack of on-base center spots forces many families to use more expensive off-base options, which can prevent a spouse from entering the workforce.
How do housing costs affect the household budget?
Housing affordability is a top concern for 40% of active duty respondents. Even with recent adjustments, families in high-cost areas report that out-of-pocket expenses for rent and utilities frequently exceed the housing allowance provided.
What measures are being taken to address these issues?
Some argue that the DoD lacks urgency regarding food insecurity and financial instability; nevertheless, proposed solutions include a substantial pay raise for junior enlisted members and expanded child care fee assistance.
Community programs, such as food pantries and grocery support initiatives, have experienced increased use as a food-security “safety net” for families in need; however, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution to the problem of insufficient pay for junior enlisted troops to afford three balanced meals per day.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
