Commissary Fast Facts - Issue 18 - August 2011

  • Published
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY --  Commissaries support Feds Feed Families

Commissaries in the United States have joined with other government agencies and organizations to support the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, which runs through Aug. 31. Customers who visit their military store will see marked bins near commissary entrances or exits, where they can donate nonperishable food and daily hygiene items. Defense Commissary Agency facilities are working with their installation commands to be drop-off points for food donations from commissary customers, employees and other government workers that will go to assist charitable organizations such as the base chapel, installation food locker or local food bank. The food drive is coordinated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Chief Human Capital Council to encourage federal employees to help supplement food banks. "DeCA is proud to partner with others in our military communities to help support the children and families who are hardest hit by our tough economy," said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. "Food banks across the nation are struggling to replace the items people depend on to survive, especially during summer months when donations are traditionally lower."

Commissary patrons advised to stock up for emergencies

Disaster planning is considered crucial to improving your odds of survival; and this year, the Defense Commissary Agency has worked with its industry partners to offer many of the items needed for severe weather survival kits at reduced prices, said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. "We always offer certain nonperishable foods, water and nonedible items such as batteries as part of our summer club packs," said Jeu, referring to the bulk purchases similar to what a consumer would see at a membership warehouse. "But this year, our network of industry partners - manufacturers, vendors and suppliers - offered us a special package of discounted items that our customers would need to augment their survival kits; and we extended the availability of these items in our stores to coincide with the peak periods of severe weather." Since April 1, items such as canned chicken, powdered milk, batteries, weather-ready flashlights, all-weather tape, first aid kits, lighters, matches, candles and hand sanitizer have been reduced in price as part of the severe weather promotional package that runs until Oct. 31. "We want our customers to know that they need to stock their food pantries with items to sustain them for any emergency that could occur anywhere in the world at any time," Jeu said.

DeCA announces Commissary Gift Card program

The new Commissary Gift Cards are now available for purchase in denominations of $25 and $50 starting June 30 in stateside stores or online through www.commissaries.com/giftcard/index.cfm.
A customer uses the card as long as there is a balance on it; once the complete $25 or $50 total is exhausted, the card can no longer be used. There is no monetary change issued for unused portions of the card. Shoppers can use the remaining card balance in conjunction with other forms of payment. Here are some quick facts about the Commissary Gift Card: 1) The cards expire five years from the date of purchase; 2) Online orders incur a handling fee. These fees are not assessed to in-store orders; 3) There is no limit to the number of gift cards that a purchaser can buy. However, DeCA officials recommend organizations and activities consider purchasing online, if they need $500 or more in gift cards.

(Courtesy of Defense Commissary Agency - Corporate Communications)