This Thanksgiving, a concerning number of veterans face food insecurity, highlighting a critical issue impacting those who have served our nation. According to Feeding America, one in nine working-age veterans struggles with access to adequate food. This alarming statistic underscores the economic and social challenges faced by many veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
A study conducted by the Yale School of Medicine's Veterans Aging Cohort Study revealed that nearly a quarter of surveyed veterans reported experiencing food insecurity. The US Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. This definition highlights the broader impact of food insecurity, affecting not only individual veterans but also their families and communities.
Marines enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at Camp Pendleton in California. (Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Lorraine, CEO of America's Warrior Partnership (AWP), sheds light on the financial struggles faced by many veterans. He points to issues like overcharged credit cards, car repossessions, foreclosures, and evictions as common occurrences. These economic hardships disproportionately affect veterans on fixed incomes and those with severe disabilities.
Lorraine, a veteran himself with nine combat deployments under his belt, understands the challenges veterans face. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to this community, noting that veterans volunteer at significantly higher rates than non-veterans. He encourages people to spread awareness about AWP and its resources, connecting veterans with support before crises escalate.
A traditional Thanksgiving meal. (Adobe Stock)
Lorraine suggests several ways individuals can contribute to the cause, including donating food items, supporting local veteran organizations, and simply showing compassion. He acknowledges the progress made by the Department of Veterans Affairs but emphasizes that a significant portion of veterans remain unenrolled and may not be accessing available support.
Volunteers serve Thanksgiving meals at the Long Beach Rescue Mission. (Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images)
The National Library of Medicine has linked food insecurity among veterans to a higher risk of suicidal ideation. This connection underscores the urgent need to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and provide comprehensive support for veterans facing these challenges. Transition challenges, limited job opportunities, and difficulties applying military skills to civilian roles further contribute to the problem.
Despite these challenges, Lorraine remains a strong advocate for military service, particularly for young people lacking higher education opportunities. He credits the military with transforming his own life and believes it can offer valuable opportunities for others. AWP, now in its tenth year, has assisted nearly 61,000 veterans nationwide, demonstrating its commitment to supporting those who have served.
