Taking it to the streets! That’s the message for commissary patrons in August and September as the Defense Commissary Agency’s Back-to-School Sidewalk Sales kick off huge savings at stores worldwide.

"Logging onto commissaries.com and checking out the latest promotions, downloading digital coupons and finding out when your store will have a sidewalk sale are all things you can do to prepare for your shopping experience," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O'Neal, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “A few minutes online before you go will save you plenty of dollars in the commissary.”

Commissaries are partnering with the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence (JCCoE) to produce videos encouraging service members and their families to cook more meals at home, and provide training products for military chefs.

In September, National Preparedness Month highlights the importance of being ready for emergencies. It’s a message service members and their families should take to heart, said Tracie Russ, the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

Commissaries are offering significant savings with worldwide back-to-school sidewalk sales, and promotions linked to football, Oktoberfest and other events in September.

In observance of Food Safety Education Month in September, the Defense Commissary Agency joins the CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service, the Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations to help prevent foodborne illnesses by increasing awareness of improperly handling food items.

Military commissaries have served the men and women of the U.S. Air Force since its creation 72 years ago, so it’s with pride that the Defense Commissary Agency joins with them in observing their birthday on Sept. 18.

Savings percentages for commissary patrons worldwide was 26% during the third quarter of fiscal 2019, a timespan from April through June, reported the Defense Commissary Agency.

It’s no secret that preparing meals at home benefits your health and your wallet. Between all our weekday obligations – work, school, commutes, sports and children – we shy away from home cooking. However, preparing delicious, nutritious meals at home does not have to hijack your schedule. Fast and easy no-fuss entrées are as close as your commissary and commissaries.com.

On Oct. 1, 1991, the Defense Commissary Agency officially took over the responsibility of providing the commissary benefit to U.S. military members and their families.