Groceries and Honor: The Fight to Keep Military Stores Veteran-Focused

Recent debates in Congress seem mundane but have everything to do with keeping essential benefits intact — especially for disabled veterans who rely on on-base commissaries and exchanges. A July 15 House Armed Services amendment now requires the  Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a full report to lawmakers by March 31, 2026 before any move toward privatizing military retail programs — including commissaries and exchanges.

The Big Picture …

Commissaries are far more than just grocery stores. They offer veterans and their families 23 to 25% savings on food and household essentials, supported by taxpayer funding. Meanwhile, exchanges — though self-funded — also benefit military quality-of-life programs.

Now, with DoD exploring privatization as part of broader workforce changes, lawmakers are demanding transparency and accountability:

• Could retail privatization erode cost-saving benefits for veterans?
• What happens to commissary staff and contractors?
• Will privatization work in remote and overseas locations where commissaries are mission-essential?

Lawmakers warn rushing this transition could disrupt access to low-cost groceries and services — without any evidence of savings or productivity gains.

Why It Matters for Disabled Veterans

• Financial Relief:
  For veterans on disability benefits, commissary savings can stretch tight budgets

• Access and Convenience:
  Disabled vets depend on close, familiar outlets — especially in rural or overseas communities

• Support and Community:
  Commissaries and exchanges fuel morale and connection, beyond simple shopping trips

If privatization leads to price increases, longer commutes, or spotty service access — many disabled vets could face real financial and logistical hardship.

What’s Being Pushed …

The House amendment orders DoD to report its findings to Senate and House Armed Services Committees, covering:

• Projected costs vs. savings
• Impact on benefits and staffing
• Feasibility in all locations — including remote and overseas bases
• Effect on existing employees and contracted suppliers
• Potential disruption to morale, welfare, and community services

Private operation might seem efficient — but without careful study, it risks eroding the very benefits veterans rely on most.

What Veterans Can Do Now:

• Stay informed: Watch the DoD report and NDAA negotiations in early 2026.
• Weigh in: Use your congressional contacts or VSOs to voice support for keeping stores within DoD control.
• Share your story: Commissaries do more than sell groceries; they touch everyday life. Let your representatives know how these stores matter to you and your family.
• Ask questions at the checkout: Start grassroots conversations about what’s at stake if perks disappear.

Final Thoughts …

Commissaries and exchanges aren’t perks — they’re lifelines. They’re one of the few veteran-centric financial breaks still standing strong.

Congress is doing the right thing by pausing privatization talk — waiting for facts, not rushing decisions. But this moment isn’t just about stopping a policy change. It’s about affirming respect for veterans’ access, savings, and dignity. Because groceries are more than groceries — they’re food on the table and honor in the everyday.