This change will allow the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to continue to offer its eligible patrons significant savings while strengthening our fiscal stewardship. This change does not apply to Guam, Hawaii, California and Washington.

Commissaries are funded in part by appropriated funds, which are taxpayer dollars specifically earmarked for certain purposes. Unlike the military exchanges (e.g., AAFES, Navy Exchange), which operate as self-sustaining entities with separate revenue streams, the commissary must allocate appropriated funds strictly for their intended purposes, such as subsidizing food costs for service members and their families.  

Charging for single-use bags offsets the bag costs and supports the commissary’s mission to offer groceries at the lowest possible price for patrons.  

If you find yourself in the commissary without any bags, you have a few options:  

1.    Purchase single-use bags at checkout.
2.    Purchase reusable bags at checkout.
3.    If you prefer not to buy bags, you can transport your items out of the store without bags. Baggers may be available to assist upon request.

The commissary’s goal is to offer flexibility so you are free to choose the option that works best for you during your visit.  
 

April 6, 2026, in all Commissary locations

Yes, both single-use bags will continue to be available for a charge, in-store and through Commissary CLICK2GO®.

Single-use and reusable bags are available in-store and through Commissary CLICK2GO®.  Find your favorite reusable or hot/cold bags here.

Our self-checkout lanes will prompt you for the number of bags used at the end of the order.

Yes. Bags used for pickup or delivery orders will be included in your total. The number of bags used will appear on the receipt provided to you when you receive your order. Have your own bags for pickup orders? No problem! Simply tell us prior to checkout or in the notes section at the conclusion of your Commissary CLICK2GO® order for pick up. Sorry, but previously purchased reusable bags cannot be used for delivery orders.

Our team carefully packs orders to use only the bags necessary while ensuring your items are protected.

Bringing your own reusable bags is the best way to avoid purchasing single-use bags. Simply present your bags at the start of your in-store checkout or make notations in the notes section of your Commissary CLICK2GO® pickup order.

Yes. DeCA plans to stock more alternative bag options to match the demand of commissary patrons based on the agency’s analysis of the initial phase of the new bag policy.

Commissary customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags from home or purchase reusable or hot/cold bags from the selection available at each store. Find your favorite reusable bags here.

The 5% surcharge that DeCA applies to commissary purchases does not pay for bags. Surcharge funds are used to build, renovate, and maintain commissary facilities worldwide, and to upgrade commissary equipment. Surcharge revenue is allocated solely for facility and equipment-related costs.

Yes, the price of single-use bags is added to your total purchase amount, and the commissary surcharge is calculated on the total amount of the order. The surcharge, set by law, helps fund store maintenance, construction, and modernization, whereas the bag charge only reflects the price of the bags themselves.

$0.05 per plastic bag

$0.10 per paper bag

Yes, please let us know if you’d like us to use paper or reusable bags by notating this in the comments section of your order.

To input notes:

1. Select the grocery cart in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Scroll down and select “View Full List”.
3. From the drop-down arrow, add your comments regarding your bag preferences.
    

Order pickers will take orders to customer vehicles in the crates or carts utilized to fulfill orders should customers elect to not purchase bags. Additionally, patrons will have the ability to enter the number of bags they would like to purchase in the note section on their Commissary CLICK2GO order. Under no circumstance will a customer will be charged for bags if they did not request them when ordering. Customers can use their own bags at the curb or simply place the product in the vehicle as is. Notifications will be posted in the vicinity of the pickup location.