During September, National Preparedness Month highlights the significance of being ready for emergencies. This is a message the Defense Commissary Agency takes to heart as it helps its customers save on many of the items they should include in their survival kits.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has upped our public safety awareness, consumers cannot afford to lose track of the precautions recommended to help protect against foodborne illnesses. That’s the message the Defense Commissary Agency is reinforcing as it observes Food Safety Education Month in September, joining the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service, the Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations.

Growing the commissary’s customer base, especially among a younger generation of eligible service members and their families, is a top priority for the Defense Commissary Agency’s new director and CEO.

Military commissaries have served airmen and their families since the Air Force’s creation 73 years ago, so it’s with pride that the Defense Commissary Agency joins with them in observing their birthday on Sept. 18.

Until 2020, the frequency of family meals prepared at home was on the decline. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing and sharing meals at home snapped back into focus, becoming the norm.

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. As the agency enters its 29th year of managing the military’s commissaries the impact of the benefit cannot be overstated said William F. Moore, DeCA’s new Director and CEO.

More than 200 commissary store brands will be available at savings up to 20 percent during one of the Defense Commissary Agency’s largest ever private label promotions Oct. 12-25.

Costumed ghouls and goblins may not be able to roam the streets for Halloween because of COVID-19. However, for commissary customers, their scary images captured in photos could win a free Thanksgiving turkey.

On Oct. 13 the Defense Commissary Agency salutes the U.S. Navy on the 245th anniversary of their establishment by the Continental Congress in 1775.

Military commissaries are highlighting energy-saving products during October as the Department of Defense observes National Energy Action Month.