Sunflower State News

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) have introduced new bipartisan legislation designed to improve the nutrition of military personnel by expanding access to healthy food options on bases.

The proposed Commissary Healthy Options and Servicemember Wellness (CHOW) Act would establish a pilot program at two military installations, chosen by the Department of War, where servicemembers would receive a monthly credit for use at their on-base commissaries. Commissaries are grocery stores located on military bases that offer lower-priced groceries and ready-to-eat meals compared to off-base retailers. The goal is to provide service members with affordable alternatives to fast food and limited dining facility choices, encouraging healthier eating habits.

Senator Marshall emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating: “Healthy troops are ready troops – and ensuring the brave men and women who protect our country have access to healthy and nutritious food should be a top priority. I am proud to partner with Senator Warnock on the CHOW Act to take another meaningful step towards providing healthy alternatives to our servicemembers. This helps to make certain our troops set the standard for strength and peak physical fitness. I am happy to see my MAHA agenda implemented within our armed forces.”

Senator Warnock also highlighted longstanding concerns about food access: “For too long, servicemembers have lacked reliable access to quality, nutritious food options on base. This bipartisan legislation will launch a program to provide commissary credits to help soldiers put healthy, tasty, and quality meals on the table.”

The full text of the legislation is available online.