After two years of collaboration and a national research effort, MFAN has learned more about the persisting challenges regarding food security. Our team now understands the severity of food insecurity among military families, and the geographic and demographic groups that are experiencing the most difficulties. What we need to understand next is why—why are military families experiencing food insecurity? What are the root causes? To answer these questions, MFAN is launching a regional strategy that will uncover the underlying causes of food insecurity where the data tell us to start: Texas. This effort is an opportunity to examine and understand food insecurity in the military community, break down stigma, and ultimately flip the script.

Until individuals’ basic needs are met, they cannot thrive. Data from the past two iterations of MFAN’s Military Family Support Programming Survey make it clear that Texas-based respondents have the highest frequency of food insecurity of survey respondents nationally.

Armed with that information, we will respond—together. We will convene best-in-class organizations and empower them with a roadmap that will guide us as we address the root causes of food insecurity in local communities across Texas. In a time when food insecurity is part of a national dialogue, we have the opportunity to come together, meet an urgent need, and ultimately flip the script, paving the way for scalable solutions for fighting food insecurity nationwide. Learn more about MFAN’s regional strategy here.