In response to the financial strain of inflation driven costs , the U.S. Army has advised its soldiers to consider applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. This official guidance was issued in light of increasing expenses across various domains including gas, groceries and rent.

Sergeant Major Michael A. Grinston pointed out in the guidance that soldiers of all ranks who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet with their current budgets can seek advice through the Army’s Financial Readiness Program. The guidance directs soldiers to the SNAP program, which provides eligible low-income individuals and families with an electronic benefits transfer card that functions like a debit card for purchasing authorized food in retail food stores. Soldiers and their families might be eligible for these benefits.

Food insecurity among the troops is not a new issue, but the current inflation surge has exacerbated the situation. Mackenzie Eaglen, an analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, stated that based on Pentagon data, 24% of enlisted personnel are food insecure. She highlighted that the recommendation to use food stamps implicitly admits that the basic pay for enlisted troops and their families is insufficient, a problem worsened by relentless inflation causing further reduction in real earnings.

Data released in August indicates that food prices have seen the highest increase since the 1970s. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 10.9% increase in the food index over the past year, marking the largest 12-month rise since May 1979. The index for food at home rose 13.1%, and the index for other food at home soared 15.8%. Major grocery store food groups posted increases ranging from 9.3% (fruits and vegetables) to 14.9% (dairy and related products).