About Us

Your Commissary and Exchange Benefits are in Jeopardy

Recent activities by Congress threaten to eliminate the saving you get when you shop at the Commissary. If passed, these actions could also significantly reduce the money set aside to pay for MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreations) activities for military families.

How could this happen? In an environment focused on reducing the deficit, law makers must cut expenses from the budget before agreeing to pay for new programs. Why does this affect the commissary? Unlike other grocery stores, the commissary does not make a profit. By law, commissaries can only charge consumers 5% more than the item costs to stock the shelves. This unique pricing allows military families to save more than 30% on their grocery bill. This works because the costs to operate the commissary is paid by a subsidy in the federal budget.

Earlier this year, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted to eliminate the federal subsidy for military commissaries and recommended the Department of Defense (DoD)consolidate the operations of the commissaries and exchanges in order to pay for the Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011 (S.277). We strongly believe these families’ health care needs must be met, but we are adamantly opposed to doing so at the expense of other military families. There is still time to act. This bill still needs to be voted on by the entire Senate and then approved by the House, but it poses a very real threat.
Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) “Back to Black” report also calls for consolidating military commissaries and exchangesinto a single, nonsubsidized retail system over five years.
There is growing concern that the $1.3 billion subsidy to operate the commissary will be targeted by the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction or “super committee” tasked to find at least $1.2 trillion in savings over the next decade.

If this bill is passed, prices in the commissary and exchanges will go up in order to make up for the loss of federal funds. You’ve told us how important your commissaries and exchanges are, especially those of you who live overseas or in remote locations, and we’ve shared your thoughts with Congress. You can also tell Congress what you think. Share your story at www.saveourbenefit.com.

If the additional step to consolidate the behind the scenes operations of the commissaries and exchanges takes place, the $300 million earned to pay for MWR programs that support critical quality of life programs could go away. In 2006, after spending $17 million to study the issue, the Department of Defense determined that consolidation was not the answer to budget concerns. It wasn’t the answer then and it is not the answer now.

For more information on the Commissary benefit, we suggest you read Tom Philpott’s article, Commissary boss: Critics overlook the efficiencies. We have also provided a list of important facts on the commissary and exchange.

Important Facts:

Military families currently save an average of 31% by shopping in the Commissary.
Military families save an average of over 20% by shopping in the Exchanges.
The commissaries and exchanges pay $800 million to more than 50,000 military family members employed by them.
Exchanges generate $300 million in dividends which are used to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs for service members and military families.
For the $1.5 billion spent annually, commissaries and exchanges generate $5.6 billion in savings.

We urge you to let Congress know how much you value your Commissary and Exchange Benefit! Please leave your comment below.

Comments

Thanks for submitting your feedback. If your comment is personal in nature, please email info@MilitaryFamily.org.

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Comment: Yet something else that Congress wants to cut from the military. Why not take into consideration the fact that these men and women have given their sweat, blood, tears, and some even their lives for this country over the past decade of war. And, you want to cut yet something else? How do you people sleep at night? Oh yea that's right you sleep because our military members keep fighting for your freedom. You people are sick. The commissary helps our military members and their families save money. Considering the MINIMAL amount they get paid. While you people sit there basically doing nothing and you have gold lined pockets right? Doesn't seem quite right now does it America??
Submitted by: USMC WIFE on October 20, 2011

Comment: This would be devastating to military families, particularly those of us serving overseas. Our COLA has already been reduced, and shopping on the local Japanese economy is outrageous due to the decreasing exchange rate. When we arrived here two years ago, the exchange rate was 96 Yen to the American dollar, and it is currently sitting at a very unstable 75 Yen to the Dollar. If we didn't have the commissary, our budget would be even more out of line living overseas than it is now, when we have no other option. Potatoes are over $10/pound even at the commissary! 5 years ago, you spent 17 MILLION dollars to determine that you needed to keep the commissary. Rely on the money you spent then and know that it is just as important, if not more, 5 years down the road.
Submitted by: Megan on October 20, 2011

Comment: Honestly, I cannot believe that Congress could even consider a billl that would cut benefits from people that are already sacrificing so much. Take a look at yourselves. What benefits can you cut?
Submitted by: on October 20, 2011

Comment: Not only am I a USMC wife, but I was raised in a USAF family. We have not only used the commissary, but my mother has worked there for over 20 years. To get rid of a place that helps military families save a little money (since you pay us MINIMAL) is beyond disgusting. I don't know how you sleep at night. My husband goes to war and yet all you keep talking about is cutting OUR benefits, OUR retirement, OUR Commissary, OUR MWR services... pathetic. This country is slowly going to crap because of the people that run it. Our Founding Fathers are probably rolling in their graves right now.
Submitted by: andreaq on October 20, 2011

Comment: I think it is interesting that as a country we can support illegal immigrants, drug abusing welfare cases, and people use the system to get by using the money they earn from the goverment and go protest on Wall Street for weeks on in. Is this really what we have come to as a society? Service Members put thier lives on the line everyday dont complain. Really cant complain due to once you take the oath you are Goverment property. We have no opinion, no voice, all we get to do is hope we survive the next deployment.Then hopefully get to see a commissary. But for example in the State of Florida people who were on welfare were ask to help with community service and then got up in arms about. What do they do to earn that welfare check? Have more kids they can't afford?
Submitted by: conservative on October 20, 2011

Comment: Please don't take this benefit away, a lot of families depend on it.
Submitted by: Brandi on October 20, 2011

Comment: We barely make ends meet as it is. Saving money at the commissary is a major factor in us keeping our heads above water. In the scheme of things, savings on groceries is a small "thanks" for the services my husband and our family give our country, but it makes a big difference for our family's survival. Please do not take these benefits away.
Submitted by: Crystel on October 20, 2011

Comment: Our veterans are willing to give their lives for you, so you can live free. Certainly, the American public doesn't mind giving a little to those who give so much. Please don't cut our benefits.
Submitted by: Ginger on October 20, 2011

Comment: Beginning to regret my life as a military family member-dad spent 25+ yrs in the Air Force; husband and I+ 4 children spent 20 yrs in the Army. so much for sacrifices we made... Save our benefits!
Submitted by: Mother of 4 Walls on October 20, 2011

Comment: Commissary's and Exchanges have been around for a very long time. There are reasons for the benefits of shopping at both and being able to pay less, military people and families give up a whole lot in order to serve their country. Again, this is another way to take away from our military personnel and families but what has Congress and the Senate decided to give up in order to save money. Start there first. It kills me that it seems to keep coming back to taking away military benefits in order to save money, yet there have been no thoughts on reducing money or benefits for Congress. They aren't putting their lives in jeopardy day in and day out for 20 plus years to get their benefits. It's sickening that this is what could possibly happen.
Submitted by: Kate on October 20, 2011

Comment: Military families should not be targeted when addressing reducing deficits, they should be encouraged and supported fully. You don't send a horse to war and then break one of it's legs on the battlefield!
Submitted by: Tite on October 20, 2011

Comment: They can't take our Commissary and BX's away. We can barely afford to live off what we are paid. We can give our lives for our country and our country can't even give us a discount on the food and clothing that we need to survive?
Submitted by: MAD on October 20, 2011

Comment: So you are trying to tell me that your $100,000+ salaries a year is justified? But yet taking away what little benefits we do have away is too? I don't think so! Y'all try living on why we live on for a year and get back with us! This is exactly why I don't vote for ANYTHING anymore! I've been a registered voted since I was 18 and the past 3 years I've given up on any politics! My family lives in Japan and let me tell you if you raise the costs at the exchanges and commissaries my family won't make it even with me working a full time job! You people need to sit back in your comfy chairs and remember why you can sit there without worry in your expensive suits!
Submitted by: POed usmc wife on October 20, 2011

Comment: This is NOT a nice way to show appreciation and "Thanks" to the men and women who keep me free. Their salaries are not commensurate with the public sector, and this helps that get by and survive. THeir benefits should not be touched. Congress, however, has way more that they can give up and contribute. Take it from them. I do not see them voting to reduce their benefits!
Submitted by: on October 20, 2011

Comment: It seems so easy for our benefits to be cut. The Marine Corps is he only branch that does not have 100% tuition assistance. We already have to get by on the bare minimum (at least overseas). Now you want to cut one of the small benefits we have left?? Way to go Congress...way to support the ones that are serving you.
Submitted by: leftouttodry on October 20, 2011

Comment: Yes, the authorities spent too many years ignoring the Camp Lejuene water and allowed too many families to be poisoned. Yes, these families should be cared for by those who ignored the problem. I don't understand how the rest of the military giving up something that affects the health of our own families to compensate them for their health can even be considered. When too many military families barely affording the ever increasing cost of healthy food and a growing obesity problem in our country, removing the benefit of groceries at a reduced rate will only mean more health problems for current servicemembers and their families which will have to be paid for in the future. More families will end up on food stamps and WIC, which will also have to be paid for. All of us rely on the savings we get at the commissary to stretch paychecks that are already too thin. $1.3 billion dollars can easily be found by striking out someone's pet project (perhaps another NC project since that's where this whole mess happened), not by further impovrishing the less than 1% of the population that serves in the US military.
Submitted by: Donna on October 20, 2011

Comment: I am disgusted and appalled at the recent changes to not just TA (to which my husband can't go to school now), but also the idea that commissary and exchange benefits are in jeopardy. This is so disheartening. The commissary and exchange help families including ours. We find it difficult to make ends meet now...if this happens I do not know what we will do. In addition, the men and women that service our country and the spouses and family that stand behind them should be treated with respect and honor, I don't see how changing TA and possible loss of these above benefits demonstrates that. SHAMEFUL!
Submitted by: Marine Wife on October 20, 2011

Comment: Why doesn't Congress cut their pension plans? They serve once and are set for the rest of their lives. Yet these soldiers who deploy for us, are injured at war, put their lives constantly on the line, have their benefits taken away. First, they are talking about the pension being taken away, and now they want to take away our commissary and exchange benefits?? Why is it that the families who give the most are given the least in return? Without benefits like the pension and the ability to be able to feed our family, the military career is barely worth it.
Submitted by: Irritated Army Wife on October 20, 2011

Comment: This is not an acceptable way to repay the military families who have sacrificed so much of their time/love to support their armed forces spouses who have executed the two wars we are fighting for the politicians in Washington who are now threatening their pay and benefits. Families, at all levels of the pay scale,depend on the commissary to feed their families well and at a decent price. Military pay comes no where near the level that is should to reflect the kind of hard work and sacrifice of its soldiers, sailors and marines. The commissary is only the smallest way of repaying that debt the the government owes to its professional, all-volunteer military. I also volunteer with CHILDREN at the MWR facilities that the commissary and exchanges support, and those children do not deserve this treatment either. These are children that have missed years with their parents and need every bit of support and love that they can get to better adapt to the highly stressful toll that frequent deployments, moves, and uncertainty take on military families and children. Truly, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Submitted by: family of five on October 20, 2011

Comment: It saddens me to see the consideration of benefits cut to widows of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms. When left behind to raise children alone, the savings have helped us to financially survive in a good and bad economy. The widows from decades ago (like myself) are given a very small pension that does not keep up with the economy over the years. Working one, sometimes two jobs have been necessary over the years. The Commissary & Exchange benefits were (and still are) an integral part to keep within budgetary means. If my husband were alive today my life and my child’s life would have been completely different. A highly educated man with a bright future is gone. A living person who was loved and still missed is gone forever. My child and I merely existed and scraped by over the years. I would have never imagined our marriage would end this way. We had such big dreams and plans for the future. How can our military and their families be treated this way? How can Americans/Govt/Congress expect so much but give so little?
Submitted by: Military Widow on October 20, 2011

Comment: this is bogus, i serve my country and i deserve to get discounts, what else do i get for going to put my life on the line, i might as well give up and become a civilian if ur going to take my savings away, shoot u already threaten not to pay us, look for other ways to save money and leave the militay alone.
Submitted by: ronni on October 20, 2011

Comment: our family just PCS'ed from HI. We were stationed there for 3 years and the only reason we were able to make ends meet and still have a lil bit of money in savings was because of the commissary and the PX. We could never afford to shop off base.
Submitted by: Ann on October 20, 2011

Comment: My enlisted spouse barely makes enough money to keep us above the poverty line. The exchange andcommissary are two stores poor family can rely onfor quality and a fair price. Sad that our government is quick to bail out corporations that knowingly mislead consumers while they are willing to consider taking benefits from those who risk their lives for the security of the nation.
Submitted by: AngrySpouse on October 20, 2011

Comment: How awful that these men and women are serving their country and you guys keep thinking you can take every little thing away from them?!?! You guys make 3 figures while were living a poverty level yet instead of you giving up some of your salary you're asking us to sacrifice more?!?! Unbelievable! My husband is currently going to school and now its not even all covered by TA! Were trying to better ourselves but yet you guys just keep taking everything away from us. He's going to school as a full time student on top of working 15 hour days yet what are we being shown except that we dont matter! Ridiculous. How about you try for one month to live on what we do and see what you think about this and Im 1000000% sure you'll change your minds.
Submitted by: SoSad on October 20, 2011

Comment: It is extremely disgusting the way the military is being treated. The TA is no longer covering tution for all marines only first four yrs. yet illegal immagrants get a free ride in some states and now congress wants to change the prices in the commissary and the exchanges. Really you need to get your priorties in order and treat our military with the honor and respect that they deserve. HOW DO YOU PEOPLE SLEEP AT NIGHT????? Shame on you all!!!WE WILL REMEMBER YOUR SHAMEFUL ACTIONS NEXT NOVEMBER....See how you like a huge cut in your life styles.
Submitted by: rda on October 20, 2011

Comment: Military family sacrifice enough already. Some are barely making it paycheck to paycheck. Some have only one spouse working (for you the government) because of the limit amount of jobs this nation has. Why keep threatening to take away benefits for people who volunteer to live this lifestyle? The people who do this job should be honored and given something back for what they do but this nation lately has made most feel very unappreciated. Let them have the little things like this and quit trying to take away so much from the military that has very little to begin with!
Submitted by: Armywife2011 on October 20, 2011

Comment: Military families should continue to have the benefit of discounted grocieries at the Commissary, it's the least we can do as their family members continue to fight for our freedom to shop safely in our local grocery stores.
Submitted by: bioanni1 on October 20, 2011

Comment: Congress should vote to elminiate their outrageous retirement package - the savings could fund the commisary!
Submitted by: SAVE MIL BENEFITS on October 20, 2011

Comment: I love how welfare programs can pay to fix recipient's cars and provide free cell phones to those who do not work but the working military family (who are also the tax-payers) have to worry about losing the commisary!! My state also changed SNAP to allow recipients to buy tobacco products - so we can give people food benefits to buy frozen pizzas, chips, soda, steak, lobster, and cigaretts but military families cannot count on having to commisary!!! Maybe those on welfare should be limited to dry beans and powdered milk and use the savings to fund commiaries for the working, tax paying Americans!!
Submitted by: Ticked!! on October 20, 2011

Comment: This is a resource that military families need. The prices make it possible for military families to provide nutritious meals for their families. This will have the most impact on the youngest serving our country. There does need to be cutdarckers. These cuts should be from the resources on posts and bases that are least used first. The commissary is a resource that everyone uses. It is a vital resource for our military.
Submitted by: Tina on October 20, 2011

Comment: With the rising cost of food, shelter, gas, etc, I'm often thankful to be able to shop at the commissary to feed my family as well as buy food for our local church pantry. I'm outraged that this amazing benefit is being considered for cuts particularly because military families sacrifice and spend far more than other families when you take into account moving expenses, babysitting, loss of employment, et al. I demand that Congress find another way to get Back to Black. Perhaps asking these DOD contractors to give up some of their ludicrous profits!
Submitted by: Vicky A. on October 20, 2011

Comment: With the savings from the commissary we are just scratching up enough to feed our family healthy foods. If this is cut out we will be on food stamps for sure. We try really hard to make the best food choices for our family even with the rising costs of everything and we do so without milking goverment funded programs, but if it comes to that I will stand in line.
Submitted by: MOMOF2 on October 20, 2011

Comment: These savings are important to military lives. Please don't take these away from us! By taking this away, many families may not be able to feed themselves and their children.
Submitted by: Ann on October 20, 2011

Comment: What they don't realize is that other costs associated with food will go up if they do this. Can they keep paying the same BAS if Soldiers no longer have the benefit of shopping at the Commissary? Will COLA go up (or start) to compensate for paying more for groceries? This will not be a cost saving measure by Congress.
Submitted by: Nicole on October 20, 2011

Comment: How can you take away from the Military families that sacrifice so much for this COUNTRY!! This is unacceptable! As a Veteran and an Active Duty Military Spouse, even the thought of taking yet more from the military is sickening! Lower your salaries instead of taking from those that defend this nation and who are NOT THE GREEDY persons of this country! Look at yourself in the mirror!
Submitted by: Crystal on October 20, 2011

Comment: I dont know how you can sit in a room and decide the pay and benefits of our Military? I have not heard one of you (Congress) say I will cut my salary or I will pay taxes just like the rest of the middle class.You make your 6 figures while some of our Military families are going hungry and trying to make ends meet. How can you even sleep at night. You never put your lives on the line for our freedom!! Our military does that for you so you can sit in your little room and make these absurd decisions. I just cant believe that it was ever brought to the table. How many of you in Congress have ever served our country?? I urge you No I beg you please dont cut our Military Benefits.
Submitted by: Military Dep Spouse on October 20, 2011

Comment: Part of the reason men and women join the military is for the benefits. Some come from nothing and are trying to make something of themselves. By taking away these type of benefits you could send them right back where they were before? Commissaries are convenient especially when you live on post. I feel this would be another reason people will stop joining the military!
Submitted by: kac on October 20, 2011

Comment: Please stop taking away the benefits our military families have earned by all their sacrifices.
Submitted by: MilitaryGranny on October 20, 2011

Comment: We have sacrificed enough! Congress I think you should take a pay cut or join our military and get paid what we receive. Growing up with the Exchange and Commissary helped our families budget tremendously. Please take your budget cuts elsewhere Congress.
Submitted by: military wife on October 20, 2011

Comment: MILITARY SALARIES ARE NOT INCREASING WITH THE TRUE INFLATION RATE. TAKING AWAY THE BENEFIT OF THE COMISSARY AND EXCHANGE ONLY HARMS THE PEOPLE RISKING THEIR LIVES FOR THIS COUNTRY.
Submitted by: LEAH on October 20, 2011

Comment: Taking commisary benefits away from military members will only tax the economy in other ways. Most lower enlisted memebers are eligible for food stamps because their pay is so low but they do not take advantage of that because the commisary prices make food shopping possible. This is NOT the answer! Besides if you keep taking everything away from the military WHO will enlist to protect this country? Pride does not pay the bills. Haven't we sacrificed enough?
Submitted by: on October 20, 2011

Comment: If they continue to cut benefits, there will be no reason or incentive for men and women to join the military. What will that look like when our country has no military to protect us. It's already upseting enough to have our family members sent overseas and treated like trash, but to hear things like our benefits being reduced is getting ridiculous. Congress members, politicians, and even the President need to look at their pocketbooks first and try to live like us real Americans do.
Submitted by: Natmode on October 20, 2011

Comment: I cannot believe that our congress would be this selfish and take away the military benefits before cutting from their own salaries. You people make way too much and for what??? Because you sure arent doing anything good for this country. Do you have any idea how many peoples life you will affect if you do this, or do you even care? If it wasnt for the commissary who has given me an income for 10 years, I have no idea how my husband and I would have made it on only what he brings in. I asked you to please not touch what our military have earned and much deserve for putting their lives on the line. I was also a veteran and know what our soldiers go through when theyre away from family. So as a spouse, veteran, and commissary employee i would appreciate it if you give this more thought, and before making any decision put yourselves in our shoes and do whats right.
Submitted by: spouse/employee on October 20, 2011

Comment: We have military familes already on Food Stamp programs all across the country because thier husbands and wives decided to give up thier time and life styles to join the service all while not making anywhere near what thier civilian counterparts do just so now you can raise costs for them again. Most barely make it by on what they have, while others aren't even really making it after recent changes but now they want to take more away from those who give up everything for this country. I remember when being in the Service was an honorable job and now its more of "why the hell did you do that, the country is going to screw you over in so many ways" type of job.. I would have been proud for my son to follow in his dad's footsteps and join the Army but now all I can think is boy I hope they pay more or that he doesnt ask us for money since our retirement is going to be cut as well..
Submitted by: Julia on October 20, 2011

Comment: When I and my husband, newelyweds both in the Navy, were stationed in Puerto Rico the Commissary and Exchange were key to being able to live within our means and save money for our future. Military pay includes the benefits of shopping on base. Without this benefit pay will need to be increased to cover additional cost of living. How is this a savings?
Submitted by: Navy mom and veteran on October 20, 2011

Comment: Not to be rude.. But why don't they stop trying to make cuts in areas that will make it harder for military families. We are already sacrificing so much already. Why don't THEY take pay cuts. Everyone else is!!! Why don't all politicians take pay cuts!! They can afford it. Stop paying millions of dollars on stupid, ridiculous studies. Why don't the Obamas stop taking AirForce One on shopping trips?? I mean get real!! Get rid of those types of stupid expenditures.
Submitted by: ck29 on October 20, 2011

Comment: My husband already makes 50% less in the military than he could with the same job in the civilian world because he feels and obligation to his country. To take away the "perks" that come with that job is a slap in the face! Up until he made 1st class we qualified for reduced lunches for our children and WIC. (I was attending college and working part time and we still qualified). How sad is it that we are living just above poverty level and my husband works for about $3.50 an hour on most days...Congress/Senate...wake up! you live the life of royalty (and will for the rest of your lives) while the people who VOLUNTEER to protect you and this country with their lives continue to get the shaft! They signed a contract with the United States of America and are obligated to fulfill that contract! When they agreed they were offered all of the benefits that are now on the chopping block...I think I'll call for breach of contract and then what will our country do to protect itself? Are you (Congress/Senate) going to VOLUNTEER for the job??
Submitted by: NavyWife on October 20, 2011

Comment: Let's see this year you've cut tuition assistance so my husband who has been in for 23 yrs had to STOP going to school, cut GI Bill, lowered his retiree benifits, raised TriCare deductable for prescription meds that I can not get on base for free, lowered the dental benefits, cut eye care benefits but of course you got your raise with no worry of loosing it because you vote for your own benifits and raises. How is this fair? My husband goes to war for this country, multiple times, goes away training for months at a time and I get to stay home with kids who have emotional issues because Dad is gone so I can not work because I have to be available to care for them. I save an average of $50-$100 a pay day at least on groceries on base versus having to shop out in town. PLEASE DO NOT CUT COMMISSARY BENEFITS! I'm sure that Pakistan and many other countries that hates Americans could go without the billions of dollars we give them! We need to take care of our own before we take care of other countries. If you have to cut funding to pay the bills cut out the needless stuff, like funding other contries that don't appreciate our money anyway!! Come on Congress when is enough enough?
Submitted by: Sandy on October 20, 2011

Comment: Really? There were absolutely NO other programs you could cut other than ANOTHER one that affects the military and its families? Tuition assistance for active duty Marines has been cut 80% and the GI Bill which was almost $5000 a year was reduced to $875! How about cutting all the foreign aid to countries who hate us no matter how much money we shove at them? Why are you not cutting the cost associated with paying for Sesame Street to be shown in Pakistan and several other countries? When are you in Congress going to cut some of your own benefits and take on your fair share of the burden instead of dumping on the military, its veterans, its retirees and its families?
Submitted by: Monica on October 20, 2011

Comment: I just read an article about how DC has the highest income per capita in the US. So now those that make the most are deciding how to reduce costs? How about reduce the number of government jobs in DC and focus on looking for cuts outside of the military. The way congress plays with military benefits it won't suprise me to see us all on a 401k unmatched plan with civilian managers who can "fire" us when they see fit. I can think of a dozen other jobs I could do and make more money that would not send me overseas while my family worries about me getting KIA.
Submitted by: Mike on October 20, 2011

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