S. 2772: Commissary Healthy Options and servicemember Welfare (CHOW) Act

The Commissary Healthy Options and Servicemember Welfare (CHOW) Act is legislation proposed to support junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces and their families by introducing a pilot program that offers food coupons for use at military commissaries. Here are the key components of the bill:

Legislative Purpose

The bill emphasizes that:

• Military members should have access to affordable and healthy food options, especially during their duty hours.
• There is a growing recognition of the difficulties faced by servicemembers and their families in accessing healthy food.
• Unaccompanied junior enlisted members residing in government quarters may experience significant challenges in accessing healthy food.
• The Department of Defense is encouraged to explore various avenues to improve access to nutritious food options for these members.

Pilot Program

The key features of the pilot program include:

• Implementation: The Secretary of Defense can initiate a pilot program that provides monthly food coupons to junior enlisted members to use at commissaries.
• Locations: The program will be conducted at two military installations. The choice of installations will consider factors such as:
• High numbers of enlisted members living in unaccompanied housing.
• Large ratios of enlisted members to commissioned officers.
• Access to kitchens for meal preparation in unaccompanied housing.
• Commissaries that are improving their selection of healthy food options.
• Low attendance at dining facilities.
• Customer satisfaction ratings of dining facilities.
• Proximity of commissaries to unaccompanied housing.

Coupon Specifications

Details regarding the coupons include:

• Amount: The Secretary of Defense will determine the value of the coupons.
• Usage: Coupons are solely for purchasing food at commissaries, and cannot be used for:
• Alcohol or tobacco products.
• Deposits for returnable bottles or cans that exceed the state-required fee.
• Supplementary Aid: These coupons will supplement, not replace, existing allowances and food programs available to members.

Duration and Reporting

The pilot program will last for one year, after which the Secretary of Defense is required to provide a report to congressional defense committees that includes:

• Usage statistics of the coupons by the participants.
• Feedback and satisfaction levels from members receiving the coupons.
• The impact of the coupons on:
  • Use of commissaries by the members.
  • Use of dining facilities on military installations.
• Historical data on dining facility usage and customer satisfaction.
• The effectiveness of the program in reducing food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• Congressional defense committees: As defined under existing military code.
• Coupon: A voucher usable only at commissaries for food purchases.
• Food: Refers to items meant for home consumption, including ready-made products.

Relevant Companies

None found.