Food donations at the USO in Weisbaden, Germany on Oct. 28, 2025. (USO)
With Thanksgiving approaching, some military families are facing growing challenges in securing enough food for the holiday due to the temporary pause in SNAP benefits and financial uncertainty caused by the government shutdown.
In response, the USO is expanding its ongoing initiative of organizing Thanksgiving meals to assist military families who may find it difficult to afford groceries for their feast this season.
“Our service members and their families do so much for our nation, and we want to make sure they feel supported during this time of uncertainty,” said retired Lt. Gen. Michael Linnington, CEO of the USO.
For more than two decades, the USO’s Thanksgiving Program, known as “Turkey for Troops,” has provided service members and their families in need with a Thanksgiving meal to prepare at home. The meal kit typically includes a turkey, roasting pan and traditional side foods such as mashed potatoes, gravy, pie, dinner rolls, stuffing, peas, sweet potatoes and cranberries.
“As folks plan to buy their groceries for their Thanksgiving meals, the cost may be at a price that they may not wanna spend at this time,” said Jennifer Passey, senior director of communications at the USO.
As a nonprofit organization, the USO depends on donations to provide Thanksgiving meal kits each year for service members and their families. This season, the USO is reaching out to more donors and supporters to help more military families enjoy a special holiday meal.
“Our teams are preparing to accommodate more people,” Passey said.
As the government shutdown reached a record 36 days on Wednesday, USO locations worldwide are evaluating the specific needs of their local military communities and providing support accordingly, with some offering additional programs and operating with extended hours.
This is particularly crucial for military-connected families on low incomes who have been affected by the pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits — which go to 42 million Americans.
“We were ready when there were talks of a government shutdown from the very beginning,” Passey said. “We are committed to filling the gaps left by the shutdown and helping military families navigate.”
In Europe, USO centers launched a non-perishable food collection with boxes at base commissaries and will be distributed through local USO centers at Grafenwoehr, Ansbach, Albertshof, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Ramstein, Baumholder and Vicenza. In some areas, the USO has also distributed baby supplies, including diapers, wipes and formula.
Those who shop at some base commissaries can donate to the USO food drives by placing non-perishable items in the collection boxes located on site.
“The USO recognizes increased stress and uncertainty on the people who are serving and has begun to support the military community in these unique times,” Passey said. “We want to make sure that they feel supported, no matter the circumstances.”
