Empowering Military Families: Addressing Challenges and Combating Food Insecurity

Citrus Harvest at the Pelican Pantry

Over 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard/Reservist families, and 1.2 million veterans suffer from food insecurity

Military families in the United States confront a multitude of unique challenges that can strain their well-being and resilience. Among these challenges are frequent relocations, deployment separations, financial strain, childcare difficulties, education disruptions, mental health concerns, healthcare access disparities, spousal employment hurdles, legal complications, isolation, and often overlooked but critically important, food insecurity.

These eleven challenges underscore the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to military families, ensuring they receive the assistance needed to navigate these complex issues.

In response to these pressing challenges, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support was established with a clear mission: to provide vital assistance, resources, and unwavering support to those who serve our nation. Among the myriad challenges faced by military families, the club has made significant strides in addressing one of the most pressing issues—food insecurity.  The club's efforts to combat food insecurity have already yielded impressive results, with over ten tons of food collected. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and collective strength of their members and supporters.

A Beacon of Hope for Junior Enlisted Families: 

Focusing their efforts on aiding junior enlisted families, the Satellite Rotary Club addresses the specific needs of those who are often most vulnerable to food insecurity, providing vital support during times of need.

A Pledge to Do More: 

The club's food drive is just the beginning of their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by military families. With each can of food collected, they pledge to continue their mission to provide assistance, support, and hope to those who serve.

Joining Hands for a Brighter Future: 

The Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support calls on communities, organizations, and individuals to join hands in their mission. Together, we can address not only food insecurity but also the many other challenges that military families confront daily.

Next Steps:

To ensure that military families at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base never go hungry, the Armed Services

March 2023 Food Drive in Progress

YMCA operates the Pelican Pantry, where active-duty families are welcome to donated pantry staples and hygiene products. In March 2023, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support organized a food drive to support the Pelican Pantry. Over 5 tons of food and more than $13,000 in donations were collected. To keep the pantry well-stocked, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support is organizing another drive for September 30, 2023. Food staples, hygiene products, and baby supplies (e.g., diapers and formula) can be dropped off at the collection site:

• Date: September 30, 2023
• Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
• Location: San Dimas Masonic Temple 220 N. Monte Vista Avenue San Dimas, CA 91773

In addition to donating food on the date of the drive, you can assist our military families by:

• Distributing the information to your membership/employees and community by contact the Club via the email below and obtaining a flyer for distribution: 
  
• Click on and sharing the Facebook, LinkedIn, and Chamber of Commerce Event Links.
• Volunteering your organizational and/or personal expertise and leadership.
• Collecting donations.
• Providing volunteers for collection and/or delivery.
• Making a monetary contribution.

Checks can be made out to the San Dimas Rotary Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) (write "USMC" in the memo). Send donations to PO Box 713, San Dimas, CA, 91773. For additional information or volunteer opportunities, contact the Rotary Club at 909-599-7530 or email sandimasrotary@gmail.com.

As we recognize the challenges faced by military families in the United States, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through compassion, dedication, and collective action. Their journey to address food insecurity is not only a testament to their commitment but also a beacon of hope for the countless families who make sacrifices in service to their nation.

 

Addressing Food Insecurity Among Military Families: A Call to Support

When we think of military families, the challenges they face often revolve around deployment, relocations, and the demands of service life. Yet, there's an issue that often goes unnoticed – food insecurity. Amidst the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, a concerning number of military families, particularly those of enlisted personnel, grapple with food insecurity between pay periods. The reality is staggering, with over 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard/Reservist families, and a staggering 1.2 million Veterans experiencing food insecurity.

Pelican Pantry: An Oasis of Support

At the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, the Armed Services YMCA has taken an admirable step to combat this issue. The Pelican Pantry provides a safe haven for active-duty families, offering donated pantry staples and essential hygiene products to ensure they never go hungry. This initiative, fueled by compassion and a commitment to serve, has become a lifeline for many families facing uncertainty.

In March 2023, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support joined hands to make a difference. A food drive was organized to support the Pelican Pantry's noble cause. The response was nothing short of heartwarming – over 5 tons of food and more than $13,000 in donations were collected. This remarkable display of community support not only showcased the power of collective action but also shed light on the urgency of the issue.

Empowering Change for Military Families

To maintain a consistent supply and offer ongoing support, the Rotary Club is organizing yet another food drive scheduled for September 30, 2023. The goal is simple – to keep the pantry well-stocked with food staples, hygiene products, and essential baby supplies like diapers and formula.

How You Can Make a Difference

The drive's success relies on community engagement, and there are numerous ways to contribute:

1. Spread the Word: Distribute the information about the drive within your community, organization, and networks.
2. Share the Event Links: Utilize platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Chamber of Commerce to amplify the event's reach.
3. Volunteer Your Skills: Offer your expertise and leadership to support the cause.
4. Collect Donations: Every contribution matters – collect items or funds to help fill the pantry.
5. Be a Volunteer: Join in as a volunteer for collection or delivery efforts.
6. Make a Monetary Contribution: If that's more feasible, make a monetary contribution to aid the cause.

Checks can be made out to the San Dimas Rotary Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 (mention "USMC" in the memo). Donations can be sent to PO Box 713, San Dimas, CA, 91773.

For further information or to explore volunteer opportunities, don't hesitate to reach out to the Rotary Club at 909-599-7530 or via email at sandimasrotary@gmail.com.

Uniting for a Worthy Cause

In the spirit of unity and empathy, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that those who sacrifice so much for our nation's security don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. By supporting initiatives like the Pelican Pantry and the upcoming food drive, we extend our gratitude beyond words and take meaningful action to alleviate food insecurity within our military families.

Join us on September 30, 2023, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the San Dimas Masonic Temple, 220 N. Monte Vista Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773, to be a part of this transformative effort.

Event Links for Your Convenience:

• Facebook Event
• LinkedIn Event
• Chamber of Commerce Event