Associating hunger with our nation’s heroes is sometimes unfathomable. But nonetheless, it's all too real.

In 2023, a Military Family Advisory Network study found that one in five U.S. military and veteran families experience food insecurity.

Serving in the Navy 40 years ago, Marty Martineau said he has seen this first hand. From family hardships to juggling anxiety-ridden decisions, he said this issue affects many military families.

According to Feeding America, there are many reasons for food insecurity among the armed forces. For veterans, it could be low income, trouble finding work or the existence of mental or physical disabilities. Active duty could include a lack of grocery stores on or near military bases, unexpected expenses, and low pay.

Martineau said that lower-ranked military personnel sometimes don’t make enough money to sustain the cost of living, so they have to stretch their dollars.

That’s why he said it’s essential to get involved.

Martineau is the club manager and on the board of directors for the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 290– a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need.

He said the international association was first established in 1923 to help protect the rights of veterans returning home from WWI. The Atlantic Beach branch was established in 1963.

The organization serves the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard communities.

The Fleet Reserve, along with Feeding Northeast Florida, Humana Military, Catholic Charities, the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) and the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department, dedicate every second and fourth Thursday of the month to hosting a food pharmacy, providing free groceries for active-duty military families.

Molly Sweet, the director of partnerships and programs for Feeding Northeast Florida, which includes Clay County, said the collaboration began about a year and a half ago.

“The unique thing about it is because we cater specifically to active duty military, it reduces that sense of stigma about asking for help,” Sweet said. “Because it’s friendly faces that people see when they come through. They’re with other people who are in the same position.”

Sweet said that each distribution serves 150 to 180 households. During the initial distribution phase, Martineau said there was pushback from many who considered it a handout. However, Sweet said that the distribution has since made a big impact. 

“At first, it was maybe something that people didn’t expect or think they were entitled to,” Sweet said. “And now it’s… really a gesture they’re very grateful for.” 

Sweet said the group is also in preliminary discussions to expand their services to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, whether those look the same or different. 

“Hopefully, there will be more from there so we can make sure that active duty military across our region is cared for,” Sweet said. 

Although not specifically targeting food insecurity, Clay County Veterans Services also assists needy people. Veterans Services Manager Richard Carey said that their officers are dedicated to helping veterans with service connections, disabilities, pensions, and receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Carey said that officers would also help refer those who need help beyond the VA to Clay County Community Services Caseworkers, who have non-governmental resources in the community. Active duty, active guard and reserves will be referred to their local base’s Fleet and Family Resource Center and the National Guard Family Centers.

For those who fought and continue to fight so hard for freedom, help is always there.