Navy Federal Credit Union and Feeding America, a nonprofit and the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, have launched an effort to raise awareness about military food insecurity and help servicemembers, veterans, and their families put food on their tables.
Over one million veterans and their families experience food insecurity, according to the No Plate Left Behind campaign. Nearly 34 million people, including 9 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States.
Navy Federal is working to end food insecurity by collecting donations in a digital-first way for military members, veterans, and their families experiencing hunger.
Until Oct. 31, Navy Federal members interested in participating can get involved by filling up a virtual mess hall plate of food and making a donation to Feeding America. To get started, scan the QR code on No Plate Left Behind printed materials and digital signs at a Navy Federal branch location. Donations are also accepted online by visiting here.
“As a military-focused organization, we care deeply about the causes that mean the most to our active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their families,” said Navy Federal President & CEO Mary McDuffie. “Our team members also lean into that commitment, dedicating countless hours
each year to support local communities where we serve. By raising awareness about food insecurity and supporting efforts to remove barriers to accessing food, we can help find a solution for this nationwide challenge.”
In observance of Hunger Action Month in September, Navy Federal is also providing hands-on, volunteer opportunities for all its employees, such as hosting in-person and virtual education events to explore hunger challenges facing different communities, as well as encouraging participation in food drives and distribution of meals to increase the impact in local communities across the nation.
Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, Feeding America has helped distribute 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need over the last year.
“Unfortunately, hunger is a reality for millions of people across the country, including one in four active-duty servicemembers,” said Lauren Biedron, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America.
Navy Federal employees have used nearly 23,000 hours of volunteer leave this year to improve the communities where they live and serve. Team members in the Florida Panhandle packed over half a million meals with Feeding the Gulf Coast. Over 700 employee volunteers have donated more than 1,500 volunteer hours thus far in 2023 to support the nonprofit’s mission.
For more information on how Navy Federal is joining the fight against food insecurity in the military community, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.