It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, football season is wrapping up, and people are preparing their homes and stomachs for the festivities of the holiday season. Part of the tradition of American Thanksgiving is the spirit of service. One of the most effective ways for people to give back during the holiday season is to donate to a local food bank. In the U.S. alone in 2015, nearly one in eight households suffered from food insecurity. In the military services, some young families depend on food stamps to get by. 

A new food pantry serving lower-ranking soldiers and their families is up and running at Fort Bragg just in time for the holidays. The pantry, designed to provide families with free, nonperishable food items, is operated by the Armed Services YMCA, said Michelle Baumgarten, associate executive director of the YMCA.

Families needing additional assistance are referred to their unit’s chaplain or Army Community Service for financial planning and budgeting classes, Baumgarten added. “This came about as people expressed a need for food support.”
Fort Bragg’s Religious Services Office provides financial support through chaplains assigned to specific units — typically by providing commissary gift cards to families in need. Baumgarten said families with unexpected, special needs are among those the YMCA’s food pantry was established to serve. “That’s what we’re here for,” she said.

The partnership is also beneficial to the Religious Services Office, said Lt. Col. Jeff Masengale, Fort Bragg’s deputy garrison chaplain.

The pantry is open to any active duty soldier, military family member and veterans. It runs on an honor system, with no rules on what families can help themselves to. Information is private and is not available to the chain of command. Baumgarten said the only things that are tracked are how many pounds of food go out the door and how many times a person uses the food pantry.

A young military spouse whose husband is a private first class is typical of those in need. She asked that her name not be used. The young parents have two children, ages two and 16-months-old. “Honestly … it saved me like almost half of the items that I needed to get from the commissary.” 

Baumgarten credited the North Post Commissary with helping to initially stock the food pantry. The commissary provides weekly donations and serves as a collection point for monetary donations.

Those wanting to help can also host food drives or drop off donations or dry goods at the YMCA’s food pantry. Donations should be nonperishable, unexpired and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as diapers, razors and shaving cream are accepted. Popular items include baby food, formula and canned tuna and chicken. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Fort Bragg YMCA building 2-2411 off Rodney Trail. Those wanting to visit, provide a donation or volunteer can call 910-436-0500.