Cost savings from military commissaries about to disappear for military families because of government shutdown


By SB Anderson

DCA logoWhile members of the military continue to get paid during the government shutdown and veteran’s benefits — for now — still are being distributed, one service that many military (and retired military) families rely on to make ends meet will halt after today: Hundreds of base commissaries around the country will shut down starting tomorrow. (They were open today so they could sell remaining perishable goods).

Those using the grocery stores pay only 5% more than cost, as well as no taxes, and save an estimated 30% vs. regular stores. The AP says 12 million people are eligible to use the stores. Those eligible include those on active duty, retirees, National Guard and Reserves and their family members.

Commissaries overseas will stay open, a release from the agency that runs the stores said.

You can find commissaries in your state, local or regional market by using the Defense Commissary Agency’s map search tool.

Find a commissary