CLARKSVILLE, TN – Addressing financial and food insecurity among active-duty military members is a core priority for the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) as it negatively impacts mission readiness. The military does absolutely everything in their power to make sure no soldier, sailor, marine, or airman is left behind and the Armed Services YMCA is committed to working alongside base leadership in every location they serve to ensure military families get the support they need.
In May of 2022, the ASYMCA located at Fort Campbell approached the local chapter of The Association of the United States Army (AUSA), a professional organization largely committed to supporting soldiers, their families and Army civilians, regarding assistance with their efforts to provide nutritional food items for families having difficulty meeting the demands of rising food prices in an economy still recovering from the Pandemic.
Positive Family Impact
While the causes of food insecurity are many, to include single family income, rising store prices combined with a lack of availability of grocery items, and even increased gas prices resulting in reduced shopping trips, the solutions to the issue are just as varied. However, “The one thing we know we can do for families who find themselves in need is provide an opportunity to receive nutritional items in an environment that respects their circumstance as well as their commitment to their country,” said Lindsey White, Executive Director of the ASYMCA Fort Campbell Branch. “Receiving such a generous grant from AUSA, will mean not only can we fill the shelves with items such as milk, bread, meat, cereal, baby food etc., it means we can keep them restocked as well. We are attempting to remove a key stressor in the home for families worried about the health of their children.”
Both AUSA and ASYMCA acknowledge that this is a difficult time, financially, for many people and the families who serve the country are not immune to the difficulties we are all facing. “At the ASYMCA, we focus on areas that are often unique to junior enlisted families, however food insecurity is an area much larger than those boundaries and the AUSA understands this. They really get it,” said White.
“The ASYMCA of Fort Campbell has a proven track record of effective and efficient programs and initiatives that help to mitigate situations like this and provide comfort for our Soldiers’ families who need our help the most. Awarding this grant will position the ASYMCA to replenish their very busy food pantry, to provide much-needed supplemental food and snacks at their family center, and to ensure that our junior enlisted Soldiers are able to provide their families wholesome holiday meals. As our Army’s professional organization, I believe it is not only appropriate, but our duty to partner with the ASYMCA to help them provide this relief,” Maj General Retired, Walt Lord, Incoming AUSA President.
The $100,000 Grant
“The Fort Campbell Chapter of AUSA is excited to present Armed Services YMCA with a one hundred-thousand-dollar Nutrition Grant from the Association of the United States Army. We have great confidence in the work the ASYMCA is doing to support our troops and their families, and we look forward to partnering with them in the future as we continue AUSA’s mission of supporting soldiers, their families and Army civilians as we provide a voice for the Army and honor those who have served,” said Charlie Koon Vice President, F&M Bank and Outgoing AUSA President.
The $100,000 grant was received by the ASYMCA of Fort Campbell in July 2022. The generous grant provides the branch with funds to purchase food and supplies for the ASYMCA Food Pantry located at 2304 Indiana Ave Fort Campbell, Ky 42223. In addition to the purchase of nutritional items, the grant provides funding for snack items received by children participating in the ASYMCA’s educational and mentorship programs as well as summer camps. Last and equally as important, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Winter Holidays, the ASYMCA will be able to double their food box donations to families in need.
Retired Army General and President/CEO of the AUSA, Robert Brown, approved the grant at the AUSA local Fort Campbell Chapter. “The Association of the United States Army is proud to be able to assist those Soldiers and their families with food insecurity challenges during this difficult time,” Brown said.
Both the ASYMCA and the AUSA are excited to partner in their complementary missions to combat the issues of food insecurity. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who serve us all.