Our troops need more than a salute this Memorial Day. They need food.

Food insecurity has skyrocketed for many Americans throughout the pandemic, and military families have not been immune. In fact, advocates say hunger and financial anxieties are issues that have been faced by military families for years.

The Armed Services YMCA, which exclusively serves active-duty military families, operates 12 food assistance programs on or near bases across the country, four of which opened during the pandemic.

An official with the Department of Defense told ABC News the Pentagon was working to track the problem and would be adding a question about food insecurity on a survey it plans to send to active-duty spouses this summer. Experts say the problem is multi-faceted: low basic pay for newly enlisted men and women, housing allowances that have not kept up with housing prices and military spouses facing challenges finding a second income.

Erika Tebbens testified on Capitol Hill in 2016 about the difficulties she faced finding work as a young mom when her husband was a nuclear mechanic on a Naval aircraft carrier stationed in Washington State.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

ABC /  🏆 471. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Presenting: All the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals Happening This WeekendPresenting: All the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals Happening This Weekend MemorialDaySales
Read more »

Californians Flock To Open Attractions On Memorial Day Weekend As Travel SurgesTo paraphrase Elton John, “The beach is back.” The traditional start of the summer season arrives this Memorial Day weekend, and while the expected weather is partly cloudy and a relati…
Read more »

TSA Warns Memorial Day Travelers Not To Carry Guns On PlanesThis year, the agency's list of holiday travel tips has a few notable changes.
Read more »

Psst — Overstock's Memorial Day Sale Has Dropped, And You Can Score Up To 70% OffHere's your official guide to the best discounts Overstock has to offer.
Read more »

Memorial Day appliance sales 2021: 15 best deals right nowFrom Home Depot to Best Buy, don't miss out on these Memorial Day discounts.
Read more »