Kent’s Market became a hub of holiday support Tuesday as more than 250 military families arrived to receive groceries and gift cards through Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military® program.
The Veterans Day event, held at the Roy grocery store, brought together volunteers, local partners and Operation Homefront staff to help ease the rising financial strain facing many service members.
Operation Homefront says demand for assistance continues to climb. The nonprofit’s Critical Financial Assistance® program saw a 57 percent increase in food-related requests over the past year, even before the federal government shutdown began. Food insecurity among military families remains stubbornly around 25 percent.
Holiday Meals for Military® aims to help families maintain meaningful traditions despite budget pressures. With support from Associated Food Stores and national partners including Asbury Automotive Group, BODYARMOR Sports Drink, the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, Dollar Tree, Food Lion Feeds, Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble and Town House, the program will serve more than 12,000 families nationwide this holiday season.
Local sponsors Black Rifle Coffee Company and Kent’s Market helped bring the Roy event to life, providing a welcoming setting for families and volunteers.
Interviews were available with Operation Homefront staff and military families, many of whom expressed gratitude for the support as the holiday season approaches.
A link to FOX 13’s coverage of the event can be found here. For more information about Operation Homefront and its programs, visit OperationHomefront.org.
