BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- To help support military members on Buckley Space Force Base during the lapse in appropriations, the Buckley Spouses Alliance has announced a comprehensive plan to ensure food security for military families stationed at Buckley. The BSA, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting service members, and their families, is taking proactive steps to help mitigate potential financial hardships caused by the lapse in appropriations.
"Our commitment is to ensure military families have the tools to mitigate food insecurity during the lapse in appropriations," said Col. Eamon Murray, Space Base Delta 2 commander. "Strong community partnerships are key to meeting our commitment, and I appreciate the efforts of the BSA Center volunteer team and all our community partners on behalf of our military personnel across the Services here at Buckley."
The BSA's preparedness plan includes several key measures:
- Expanded Access: The BSA Center will extend its operating hours to provide maximum accessibility to families in need. Real-time schedule updates will be posted on the BSA's Facebook page to keep families informed.
- Sustainable Nourishment: To maintain inventory levels, the weekly nourishment allocation will be adjusted from 20 pounds to 15 pounds per family, per week. This allows the BSA to continue offering essential nourishment, including perishable protein, through October.
- Enhanced Protein Supply: The BSA has secured additional protein to create complete family meal kits, including popular options like Mexican-style and hamburger helper meal options, ensuring families receive balanced, ready-to-prepare meals.
- Satellite Location: The BSA has partnered with the Family Readiness Center to establish a satellite location inside Building 606, providing emergency food packages that include essential nourishment and a commissary gift card for immediate needs. This rapid-response capability will assist families requiring urgent assistance.
- Emergency Reserve: The BSA maintains a reserve for emergency replenishment needs and will immediately notify the community and activate its external support network if critical inventory levels are reached.
Beyond direct food support, the BSA is working closely with first sergeants and the Military and Family Readiness Centers to connect families with vital resources. These include referrals to programs such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Federal Subsistence Supplemental Allowance program, and the Air Force Aid Society.
"We understand that a government shutdown will create significant financial strain on our military families," said Ric Watson-Butkovich, BSA treasurer. "BSA and our supporters are working to ensure we have a sufficient inventory for the center and our additional support programs during this time, for our Buckley family.”
This proactive effort by the Buckley Spouses Alliance underscores the vital role community organizations play in supporting military personnel and their families, especially during times of uncertainty. Families may follow the BSA's Facebook page for the latest updates and information.
If you would like to contact the Buckley Spouse Alliance or learn how to get involved, please email president@buckleyspousesgroup.com or visit Buckley Spouse Alliance on Facebook.