S-2772 : Still Just a Bill

The Commissary Healthy Options and servicemember Welfare (CHOW) Act (S. 2772) proposes to address challenges faced by military members and their families, particularly unaccompanied junior enlisted members, in accessing affordable and healthy food options.

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to conduct a pilot program with the following key provisions:

• Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of providing monthly coupons to junior enlisted members for purchasing food at military commissaries.
• Scope: The program would be conducted at two military installations, selected based on criteria such as a high number of unaccompanied junior enlisted members, availability of functioning kitchens in housing, and commissary accessibility.
• Coupons:
  • The Secretary of Defense would determine the coupon amount.
  • Coupons could only be used for food purchases at commissaries.
  • Prohibited purchases include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and excessive deposit fees.
  • These coupons are intended to supplement, not replace, existing food assistance like the basic allowance for subsistence.
• Duration: The pilot program would run for a maximum of one year.
• Reporting: A report detailing the program's results, including coupon usage, member satisfaction, impact on commissary and dining facility use, and efficacy in reducing food insecurity, would be submitted to congressional defense committees within 90 days of the program's termination.