The CHOW Act authorizes the Department of Defense to run a pilot program providing monthly food coupons to junior enlisted military members so they can purchase groceries at military commissaries. The program targets unaccompanied service members living in military housing, who have faced challenges accessing affordable and healthy food options. The Secretary of Defense will select two military installations to participate, prioritizing bases with large numbers of junior enlisted personnel in unaccompanied housing, functioning kitchens, accessible commissaries with healthy food options, and low dining facility satisfaction. Coupons can only be used for food purchases at commissaries and cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco. The pilot program will run for up to one year, after which the Pentagon must report to Congress on its effectiveness in reducing food insecurity, increasing commissary use, and improving access to nutritious food for junior enlisted members.
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