A significant milestone has been reached as Soldiers’ Angels announces the expansion of its Military and Veteran Food Distribution (MVFD) program to Washington, D.C. This initiative aims to address food insecurity among military families and veterans in the DMV area—D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Partnering with organizations such as the Capital Area Food Bank and Blue Star Families, and supported by sponsors like Lockheed Martin, this monthly distribution event will provide essential food supplies to those in need. The first event is scheduled for June 24, 2025, at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. With registration opening in early June, individuals connected to the military community are encouraged to stay updated via SoldiersAngels.org/DC.

The decision to expand into Washington, D.C., stems from the alarming rates of food insecurity faced by service members and veterans, which exceed that of the general population. In 2024 alone, Soldiers’ Angels distributed over a million pounds of food to nearly 50,000 military and veteran families nationwide. Adding D.C. brings the total number of major U.S. cities served by the MVFD program to eight, including Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Orlando, and San Antonio.

This new chapter aligns with Soldiers’ Angels' mission to ensure no veteran or service member faces hunger. Amy Palmer, a U.S. Air Force veteran and President and CEO of Soldiers’ Angels, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals. Partnerships play a crucial role in this endeavor. The Capital Area Food Bank contributes fresh produce and staples necessary for distribution, while Blue Star Families aids in outreach within the local military community. Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, highlights the necessity of their Nourish the Service program, ensuring no military family struggles with food insecurity alone.

Funding from Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, supports the June distribution event. As the MVFD program enters its tenth year, it continues to grow, addressing the increasing needs of service members and veterans. Beyond regular monthly distributions, additional support includes a Detroit-based food pantry for veterans, boxed lunches for homeless veterans, canteen gift cards for VA Medical Center patients, and special events in partnership with groups like Kroger Racing, with plans for more locations in 2025.

For companies or organizations interested in sponsoring these vital efforts in D.C. or other cities, direct contact is encouraged. Through collaboration and commitment, Soldiers’ Angels remains steadfast in its mission to combat food insecurity among those who have served our nation.