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Food assistance military families don't have to qualify for

Feeding San Diego hosts a food pantry to reduce food insecurity in the Midway District 2 times per month.

SAN DIEGO — Twice a month, volunteers set up an outdoor food pantry at Dewey Elementary School hosted by Feeding San Diego. Community members in need are able to pick up fruits, vegetables and other items. 

“We are 85 percent military, and mostly E6 and lower is our ranking, so our families are struggling just like every other family in San Diego,” Dewey Elementary School Principal Tanya McMillin said. 

McMillin says she sees the growing demand for food as many families are struggling with food insecurity. 

“I’ve seen an uptick recently especially this year of people calling and asking when we were going to start,” McMillin said. 

The food pantry at Dewey Elementary School serves about 100 families every other week.

“Just having a little bit of extra help with a little bit of groceries can go a long way for us,” Military spouse Lexus Smithmoore said. 

Smithmoore stopped by the pantry to pick up items for the first time. She says this assistance is a huge help when you have a tight budget. 

“In today's economy and then being in the military also I feel like it's just another added benefit that everyone should have,” Smithmoore said.  

For some military families, it's an assistance they don't have to qualify for. The food pantry at Dewey Elementary is open to everyone in the community. 

“Soldiers have access to basic allowance for housing, their BAH, the basic needs allowance BNA, and what that ends up doing is it disqualifies them from receiving other types of services like Cal Fresh,” Feeding San Diego Direct Services Manager Chase Eckman said. 

With the cost of living, inflation and other factors, this food pantry gives families in the area relief. 

“It's such a welcomed joy for the families to be able to come and get the food that they need,” Eckman said. 

To find a food pantry near you visit feedingsandiego.org

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