Hello, and thank you for stopping by today. We are glad you’re here to join this important conversation. At Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), we believe in doing more than just saying "Thank you for your service." We believe in looking at the real challenges our military families face and finding ways to help.
Recent data has come to light that is both heartbreaking and urgent. The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) recently released its latest survey, and the results are a wake-up call for everyone who cares about our service members.
A Crisis in the Making
According to the MFAN Military Family 360 Survey released on June 22, 2026, food insecurity among military families has reached a staggering level. The data shows that 41.2% of military families now report low or very low food security.
To put that in perspective, that number was just 15.6% only two years ago in 2023. We are seeing a near-tripling of the number of families who are struggling to put food on the table. This isn't just a minor fluctuation; it is a full-blown crisis.
When we look closer at the numbers provided in the Federal News Network article by Anastasia Obis, the picture becomes even more concerning:
- Active-Duty Struggle: 47.2% of currently serving active-duty families report food insecurity.
- Junior Enlisted Hit Hardest: Among our junior enlisted members, that number jumps to 57%. These are the young men and women at the start of their careers who are bearing the heaviest burden.
- Lack of Savings: Over 35% of military families report having less than $500 in emergency savings. This leaves them just one car repair or medical bill away from total financial collapse.
Why Is This Happening?
It is easy to wonder how the families of those who serve our country could find themselves in this position. The MFAN survey points to several key drivers. For the first time, rising grocery prices have become the number one barrier to savings for military families.
However, it isn't just the price of eggs and milk. Housing costs are a massive part of the problem. Nearly 60% of active-duty families report paying more for housing than their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) covers. When a huge chunk of your paycheck goes just to keep a roof over your head, there is very little left for the grocery store.
Other factors include:
- Spouse Unemployment: The survey shows a 29.9% unemployment rate for active-duty spouses. When a family is forced to survive on a single military income, things get tight very quickly.
- Frequent Moves: Families who have recently moved are significantly more likely to experience food insecurity. The costs of relocating, often every two to three years, can drain a family's limited savings.
More Than a Quality-of-Life Issue
As the MFAN report states, this is not just about quality of life. This is a national security and readiness issue. When a service member is worried about whether their children are eating, they cannot focus 100% on their mission. A hungry force is not a ready force.
We owe it to these families to find tangible ways to alleviate these burdens. While we may not be able to change grocery prices overnight, we can help with one of the largest expenses any family faces: their home.
How the Hometown Hero Credit Can Help
This is where our mission at Operation T.A.G. comes in. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those who serve. Our flagship program is the Hometown Hero Credit, which provides a 2% credit up to $21,000 to help military families buy or refinance a home.
We know that the path to homeownership can be expensive. Closing costs and interest rates can be major roadblocks. By providing this 2% credit up to $21,000, we aim to put money back into the pockets of military families so they can focus on their well-being rather than their debt.
Here is exactly how the 2% credit up to $21,000 can be used:
- Closing Fees: It can be applied to pay the various fees associated with closing on a home.
- Interest Rate Buy-Down: It can be used to buy down your interest rate, lowering your monthly mortgage payment and saving you thousands over the life of the loan.
- Real Estate Agent Fees: The credit can help cover agent fees.
- Debt Paydown: In some cases, the credit can be used to pay down existing debt to help a family qualify for a VA loan.
It is important to note that this credit cannot be used for down payments or for non-loan purposes. However, since VA loans generally do not require a down payment, this credit is a powerful tool to make homeownership much more affordable.
Our Commitment as a Non-Profit
The Hometown Hero Credit is a non-profit program. We are fully funded, which means there is no repayment required, no games, and no gimmicks. It is not limited to first-time buyers either. Whether you are buying your first home or refinancing your current one, we want to help you achieve financial stability.
We also partner with real estate agents who share our mission. If you are an agent who wants to do more than just say "Thank you," we invite you to join our nationwide brand ambassador program. You can keep 100% of your commission while offering your military clients this incredible 2% credit up to $21,000. You can learn more on our Real Estate Partners page.
Taking the Next Steps
If you are an active-duty military member, a reservist, a veteran with an honorable discharge, or a Gold Star spouse, we are here for you. We want to help you build a legacy and find the security that comes with owning your own home.
To get started or to learn more about how we can help you navigate these financial challenges, please visit our websites or give us a call.
- Visit www.OperationTAG.org to learn about our non-profit mission.
- Go to www.HometownHeroCredit.com to see how the credit works.
- Call our 24-hour Information Line at 760-456-8748.
No family that serves this country should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Let's work together to make a difference, one military family at a time.
Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)
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