Making the most of your benefit: Former POWs, Purple Heart recipients, disabled veterans, certified caregivers may also shop at the commissary

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click here.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. - The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) strives to be the military's grocery provider of choice and is committed to delivering the commissary benefit to as many eligible patrons as possible at the best possible savings.

This includes uniformed service members (active-duty, reservists and guardsmen), as wells as retirees, former prisoners of war (POWs), Purple Heart recipients, disabled veterans, certified caregivers and other authorized shoppers.

"We want to make sure everyone who's earned it knows about it and can easily take advantage of their benefit," said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. "Not only does shopping regularly at the commissary offer significant savings, it's also about community and a benefit that acknowledges service and sacrifice. On top of that, we have innovative services, such as online shopping and curbside pickup, to help provide an exceptional shopping experience that resonates with all patrons."

Members of the military community can save at least a quarter ($.25) for every dollar spent for groceries when they shop at the commissary. As a reminder to veterans, commissary shopping privileges were expanded to the following groups in January 2020:

• Veterans with any service-connected disability

• Purple Heart recipients

• Former prisoners of war, and

• Individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

To find out more information about expanded shopping benefits, visit the DeCA webpage on extended eligibility.

Patrons can make the most of their benefit by shopping at their local commissary or online with commissaries.com. In addition to discounted prices, commissaries also offer the following options to help save time and improve their patrons' quality of life:

• Money-saving coupons and coupon links for hundreds of products

• Timely sales promotions and specials in the biweekly sales flyer

• Low-cost, high-quality Commissary Store Brands that are equal to or better than national brands

• Convenient online shopping and payment through Commissary CLICK2GO, offering custom shopping lists and curbside grocery pickup. The mobile app is free for download through the Google Play and iOS app stores.

• Dietitian-approved labeling and recipes, as well as on-the-go meals and snacks

• A sense of military community with over 60 percent of DeCA's workforce having a connection to the armed forces, and

• Clean and safe stores with associates who offer premier customer service.

"DeCA is working hard to spread the word to our valued service members and their families about their ability to shop at commissaries," Rivers said. "You've earned this benefit through your dedicated service to your country, so we look forward to seeing you at the commissary."

-DeCA-

About DeCA:The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.