Navy Federal Credit Union, Feeding America join forces to fight military food insecurity

Navy Federal Credit Union and Feeding America have kicked off No Plate Left Behind, a nationwide initiative to assist active duty service members, veterans and their families experiencing hunger.

More than 44 million people face hunger in the United States, including 1 in 5 children and approximately 49 million people turned to food programs in 2022. According to the Military Family Advisory Network’s 2023 Military Family Support Survey, 1 in 5 families experience food insecurity. That number increases to 1 in 4 among active-duty families.

“Removing barriers for service members, veterans and their families to access food is a commitment that’s deeply important to us as a military-focused organization,” retired Navy Capt. Keith Hoskins, executive vice president of branch operations at Navy Federal , said in a statement. “Together with Feeding America, we’re proud to continue advancing efforts to help our military and Veteran community put food on their tables.”

Last year, over $132,000 was raised through No Plate Left Behind — the equivalent of 1.32 million meals donated to food banks with large military populations in their service areas. Navy Federal team members also donated more than 3,500 pounds of food to Feeding America and local food banks across the country.

Through Oct. 31, individuals can participate in No Plate Left Behind by donating to Feeding America. Every $5 that is donated is the equivalent of 50 meals. To get started, visit here or scan the QR code on No Plate Left Behind printed materials and digital signs at a Navy Federal branch location. One hundred percent of donations will be provided for unrestricted use toward each food bank's areas of greatest need and to support the active duty military and Veteran community in their service areas.

September also marks Hunger Action Month, and the credit union is providing a variety of hands-on ways for all employees to give back to their communities, such as:

“Each year, our team members dedicate countless hours to supporting local communities where we serve,” said Brandi Gomez, manager of corporate social responsibility at Navy Federal. “Whether through time, treasure or talent, it’s part of our mission to connect employees to causes that mean the most to them and provide multiple avenues, including paid volunteer leave, to give back.”

Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, Feeding America helped distribute 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year.

“We’re excited to have Navy Federal Credit Union continue its support of the movement to end hunger. The No Plate Left Behind campaign, coupled with the enthusiastic support from Navy Federal's employees, brings us closer to an America where no one is hungry,” said Lauren Biedron, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Feeding America.

For more information visit here .

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .