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📰 Financial Resources for Military Families During the Government Shutdown

October 2025 Newsletter | For Military Spouses, By Military Spouses

As the government shutdown continues into October, we know the stress it brings—especially with the recent military pay freeze. Whether you’re trying to stretch your budget, cover bills, or just find peace of mind, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide to key financial resources available to help support military families during this uncertain time.

🛑 First, Know Your Rights

Before diving into resources, it’s important to know:

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) may still be disbursed during shutdowns depending on funding status.

• Allotments (for things like auto loans or insurance) may continue to be pulled automatically, so check your LES and update your bank or creditors if needed.

💰 Emergency Financial Relief

1. Military Aid Societies

Each branch has its own relief organization providing grants or interest-free loans:

• Army Emergency Relief (AER): www.armyemergencyrelief.org

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): www.nmcrs.org

• Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): www.afas.org

• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): www.cgmahq.org

They can assist with:

• Rent/mortgage payments

• Utilities

• Food

• Childcare

• Emergency travel

🛍️ Food & Daily Essentials

2. Local Food Pantries & Commissary Support

• Many base chapels and family readiness centers operate or partner with food banks. Don’t hesitate to ask.

• Some commissaries offer extended discounts or special savings during shutdowns. Check with your local store.

3. Operation Homefront

• Offers short-term financial assistance and holiday meal support.

• Website: www.operationhomefront.org

🏦 Banking & Financial Institutions

4. Military-Friendly Banks & Credit Unions

Some financial institutions offer paycheck advances or temporary assistance during shutdowns:

• USAA

• Navy Federal Credit Union

• PenFed

• Armed Forces Bank

📞 Who to Call for Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out to:

• Military OneSource (24/7 support & financial counseling): 800-342-9647 | www.militaryonesource.mil

• Your local Military & Family Readiness Center for help applying to aid programs or talking through your options.

🧡 Final Thoughts

This shutdown is not just a budget issue — it’s personal. It affects meals on the table, bills due next week, and your mental load. Please don’t suffer in silence or feel ashamed to ask for help. These resources exist because you matter — your family matters — and no one expects you to shoulder this alone.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves. In the meantime, lean on your community, stay informed, and take care of yourself.

From one spouse to another — we’re in this with you.

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🍲 Stretching Every Dollar: Budget-Friendly Meals for Military Families

October 2025 Newsletter | Supporting Military Spouses Through the Pay Freeze

With the current government shutdown and military pay freeze, many of us are facing tough choices when it comes to putting meals on the table. Feeding a family on a limited budget isn’t easy — especially when you're juggling deployments, childcare, or a PCS move on top of everything else.

But you’re not alone. We’ve pulled together some budget-friendly meal ideas, shopping tips, and resources to help you feed your family well without breaking the bank.

🛒 Smart Grocery Shopping on a Tight Budget

Here are a few tips to make every dollar count at the commissary or grocery store:

• Plan ahead: Build your meals around what’s on sale or what you already have in the pantry.

• Buy in bulk: Rice, beans, pasta, oats, and frozen veggies are low-cost staples with a long shelf life.

• Skip the pre-packaged: Pre-cut or ready-made foods cost more. Whole ingredients are cheaper and go further.

• Use your base resources: Some commissaries offer discounted meal kits, and many bases partner with local food banks for additional support.

🍽️ 5 Meal Ideas Under $10

These recipes serve 4–6 people and use pantry staples or low-cost ingredients:

1. One-Pot Chicken & Rice

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs (or canned chicken), rice, broth or water, frozen peas/carrots, onion, garlic.

• Why it works: All-in-one meal, super filling, great for leftovers.

2. Pasta Bake

• Ingredients: Pasta, jar of tomato sauce, shredded cheese, canned veggies or ground turkey if available.

• Why it works: Comfort food that’s freezer-friendly. Add whatever you have on hand.

3. Slow Cooker Chili

• Ingredients: Canned beans, crushed tomatoes, ground beef (or omit for meatless), onion, chili seasoning.

• Why it works: Hearty and customizable. Great for feeding a crowd or saving for later.

4. Egg Fried Rice

• Ingredients: Leftover rice, eggs, soy sauce, frozen mixed veggies.

• Why it works: Fast, protein-packed, and super cheap.

5. Tuna or Chickpea Salad Wraps

• Ingredients: Canned tuna or chickpeas, mayo or plain yogurt, lettuce or tortillas.

• Why it works: No cooking required. Light, healthy, and easy to pack for lunch.

🧺 Stretch the Budget Further

• Meatless Mondays: Replace meat with beans, lentils, or eggs once or twice a week.

• Cook once, eat twice: Make double batches and freeze leftovers for busy days.

• DIY snacks: Make granola bars, muffins, or trail mix at home instead of buying boxed snacks.

📦 Free Meal Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling to buy groceries, please know there are resources available — no shame, just support:

• Food pantries on base or through local churches/organizations

• Operation Homefront: Offers holiday meal support and food assistance

• Feeding America: Find local food banks at www.feedingamerica.org

• WIC & SNAP: If eligible, these programs help supplement food costs for families and children

💬 From Our Community

🧡 You’re Doing Enough

During times like these, remember: fancy meals are not the measure of a good parent or spouse. Nourishing your family — even with simple meals — is enough. These days call for grace, creativity, and leaning on each other.

If you have a go-to cheap and easy recipe, share it with us! We’ll feature community favorites in next month’s issue.

We see you. We support you. And we’re in this together.

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