Serving our veterans, military, and their families is our mission. To see that mission through, we often collaborate with other organizations. Located at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is the Stronghold Food Pantry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving American military families facing food insecurity by providing food, necessities, and resources with care and dignity. CEO and Founder Monica Bassett is a military spouse — just like many of our American Legion Auxiliary members. The pantry, like others in the country, is ready to help our military families in need. 
 
Can you share any personal experiences that led to a passion for helping military families overcome food insecurity? 
As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, my passion is deeply personal, though I didn’t initially connect the dots when I jumped into action. Growing up, my family faced challenges that led us to rely on a food pantry. It only took one incident — my father getting injured and unable to work — to change our circumstances and become food insecure. 

How can military families utilize services from the pantry? 
We launched our Ambassador Program in 2023. With this program, we are able to reach more military families around the globe. We receive an average of one to five confidential applications from this program each month, and depending on funding and resources, we strive to fulfill them all. In 2023, we served an average of 20 individuals daily, distributing over 70,000 pounds of food and resources to military families worldwide.

How can our American Legion Auxiliary units help military families with food insecurity issues in their communities? 
A great example comes from the efforts of American Legion Auxiliary Kansas Unit 370. This unit has dedicated itself to learning about military food insecurity and actively supports initiatives like mobile pantries, holiday meals, and the Angel Tree program. 
 
Units can start by researching local food pantries near military installations to identify those that serve military families. Once potential partners are identified, it’s important to reach out, whether by phone or by email. Each food pantry has its own unique requirements, so introducing yourself as a supporter of the military community is crucial. 
 
In your outreach, be sure to inquire about their statistics, how many military families they support, what the most frequent request from a military family is, if they have specific needs, and if your donation can be earmarked to serve veteran and military families in need. 

Any suggestions for a unit that might want to partner with an established food pantry or even create a food pantry in their community? 
Start with thorough research into the local food insecurity climate. Understanding the specific needs of your community is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask hard questions or seek clarity on the challenges military families face. Education is vital — the more informed you are, the better support you can provide.