Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving nutrition among service members by encouraging healthier food choices on military bases. The Commissary Healthy Options and servicemember Wellness (CHOW) Act proposes a pilot program in which personnel at two military installations would receive monthly coupons to use at on-base grocery stores.

The goal of the CHOW Act is to address rising obesity rates in the armed forces and promote better overall health for troops. “Healthy troops are ready troops, and when we talk about military readiness, nutrition is way more important than vaccines and a whole lot of other things we focus on,” said Senator Marshall, an Army veteran with over 25 years of medical experience.

Currently, many service members report dissatisfaction with meals served in military cafeterias, leading them to seek alternatives such as fast food or delivery services. This trend has been attributed to both the taste of cafeteria offerings and limited hours of operation.

“As you look at the big picture of the military readiness right now, 20% of our troops are obese. 70% are overweight. One of the main reasons for separation from the military is obesity, and they can’t pass their PT [physical training] test,” Marshall explained.

Marshall also highlighted that commissaries offer healthy options: “I’ve been really impressed, as I’ve been through several commissaries over the past year, here and overseas. They definitely have healthy choices.”

The CHOW Act would prohibit using coupons for alcohol or tobacco products and requires a report from the Department of War on how access to healthy food is affected by this initiative.

Senators expect that this measure will be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets annual spending levels for defense programs.

“This is a critical next step in addressing food access and quality for our military; if this program proves effective in boosting food security and improving our military readiness, Congress should move to expand this program nationwide,” said Senator Warnock.

Marshall emphasized ongoing efforts needed within the armed forces: “Just as much as we come in and teach people how to shoot a rifle, I hope that we’re focused on coaching them up for healthy nutrition choices.” He also stressed continued physical activity beyond initial training: “Of course, you know, I think that we need to pay a little bit more attention to the physical activity, not just that first year when you’re in the military, but continuing some type of physical activity for our troops, so that they’re able to pass the physical test each year.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has pledged action against obesity within the ranks while maintaining high fitness standards. Earlier this year concerns were raised about funds intended for soldiers’ meals being used elsewhere.

“For too long, servicemembers have lacked reliable access to quality, nutritious food options on base,” Warnock stated regarding the CHOW Act. “This bipartisan legislation will launch a program to provide commissary credits to help soldiers put healthy, tasty, and quality meals on the table, so they can stay focused on the hard work of keeping our country safe.”