Are Our Soldiers Getting the Nutrition They Deserve? A Look at Army BAS Spending

Proper nutrition is fundamental to the well-being and performance of our soldiers. It fuels their physical endurance, mental clarity, and overall readiness. But recent reports suggest that a significant portion of the money deducted from junior enlisted troops’ paychecks for food is not actually being spent on meals.

For many in the military, the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is meant to ensure access to nutritious meals. However, data from 11 of the Army’s largest bases shows that over $151 million of the $225 million collected in 2024 was not used for its intended purpose—feeding our soldiers. Instead, those funds were redirected elsewhere, leaving many troops struggling to find adequate and nutritious food on base.

📖 Original Article: Military.com - Army Redirecting Food Funds

Where is the Money Going?

The BAS is essentially a mandatory deduction, approximately $460 per month, taken from the paychecks of junior enlisted soldiers living in the barracks. This is a significant cost, especially for those making around $30,000 annually.

Yet, when reviewing financial reports from key Army installations, the numbers are staggering:

📍 Fort Stewart, GA: Collected $17M, spent only $2.1M (87% redirected)
📍 Schofield Barracks, HI: Collected $14.5M, spent only $5.3M (63% redirected)
📍 Fort Carson, CO: Collected $22M, spent only $5M (77% redirected)

Despite these massive redirections of funds, Army officials have not clarified where this money is actually going. Major expenses such as dining hall maintenance and food service salaries are funded separately, leaving many wondering why such a large portion of BAS is being withheld from its intended purpose.

The Real-World Impact on Soldiers

This financial mismanagement is having a direct impact on troops. Dining facility closures, lack of fresh food, and limited meal options have become common issues at Army installations. Soldiers at Fort Carson reported being served toast and lima beans for dinner—hardly an appropriate meal for those expected to maintain peak physical fitness.

Adding to the frustration, the Army has begun replacing full dining facilities with kiosks stocked with prepackaged sandwiches and snacks, which fail to meet even the Army’s own nutritional guidelines. Instead of balanced meals, soldiers are left with sugar-heavy, low-protein options, making it nearly impossible to fuel their bodies properly.

A System Set Up to Fail?

One explanation provided by the Army is that fewer soldiers are eating at dining facilities, so the funds aren’t needed. But this is a self-perpetuating problem:

1️⃣ Dining halls serve low-quality, unhealthy meals
2️⃣ Soldiers avoid the facilities and seek food elsewhere
3️⃣ The Army redirects funds, further reducing the food budget
4️⃣ Even fewer soldiers rely on Army-provided meals

Rather than fixing the root issue—ensuring high-quality meals that soldiers want to eat—the Army appears to be shrinking its investment in nutrition altogether.

Why This Matters

Military service is demanding, and our soldiers deserve better. Proper nutrition isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement for readiness. Redirecting food funds without transparency is a disservice to those who serve.

Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), whose district includes Schofield Barracks, called for an immediate investigation and accountability on how BAS funds are being used. The concern isn’t new—similar issues were raised in 2020, yet no corrective action was taken.

It’s time for real solutions. Soldiers deserve:
✅ Transparent budgeting—Where is this money going?
✅ Improved food quality—Fresh, nutritious meals, not prepackaged snacks
✅ Consistent access to dining facilities—No more widespread closures

Our service members give their all for our country. The least we can do is ensure they’re properly fed.

🔎 Are you a service member or military family member? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Let’s start the conversation about what real change looks like.

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👉 www.NicoleStromRealtor.com