A new program just launched to help Middle Tennessee veterans and their families at risk of hunger access the food they need. Operation Commissary, Operation Stand Down’s new food pantry, has already distributed more than 100 boxes of food to local veterans since opening last month.

“It was a dream of our CEO that we would be able to operate a full food delivery program for not just our veterans in Davidson County, but also in the 10 other surrounding counties that are part of our service area,” said Sean Hager, Program Manager for Operation Commissary.

Located in Operation Stand Down’s Service Center in Edgehill, Operation Commissary’s shelves are stocked with shelf stable items – including canned protein, fruit and vegetables, as well as whole grains, pasta, and sauces – provided by Banque alimentaire Second Harvest du Middle Tennessee. The food is then packaged and delivered to local veterans facing hunger.

“In the military, the commissary was a place of nourishment.” said Sean. “Veterans are significantly less likely to pursue federally funded food assistance programs, because of stigma and other reasons. With us being able to reach out to them, we can help take that stigma away and make sure our veterans are getting the help they need and deserve.”

Operation Commissary’s goal is to distribute up to 550 food boxes a month to local veterans and their families.

For more information about Operation Commissary, and the other veteran support programs provided by Operation Stand Down, including ways you can get involved, please visit https://www.osdtn.org/.