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Commissary Food Bank Donations Top 4 Million

09/23/2015 By Kimber Green

Yes, you read that correctly; commissary food bank donations have reached 4 million pounds. This is an amazing, and almost unfathomable number, but did you even know that the commissary made donations to food banks?

The program actually started back in 1985, but the hassle of registering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services kept many food banks from registering. Eventually, the program fizzled out.

It wasn’t until the government shut down of 2013 that the program came back to life.

With doors closed, food was simply wasting away on the shelves. DoD quickly gave the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) approval to donate those goods before they could lose too much shelf life. Unsellable, but edible items were quickly donated to local food banks.

Once those food banks saw how much they could benefit from commissary donations and with a little push, many started filling out the paperwork to register for ongoing designations. That year alone, the commissary was able to donate just over 636,000 pounds of goods to 72 food banks. That sounds amazing.

What’s more so, is that the program has grown so much that 1.8 million pounds of unsellable goods have been donated already this year, combined from 172 stores. 107 food banks have been able to accept donations this year.

At this rate, the commissary expects donations to easily top 2 million pounds by the end of the year.

This giant number is great, but at the same time it sounds like there is an enormous amount of excess being created by the commissary. There are 241 stores, so this actually makes up less than 1% of commissary goods. Now that doesn’t sound quite as wasteful.

The items that the commissary donates are all unsellable yet edible goods. That means that the package might have been damaged or that it somehow otherwise does not meet the visual requirement by the commissary to be sold on their shelves.

Luckily, something good came from the 2013 government shut down and people all over the country are now benefiting from the revival of this program. The press release from the Defense Commissary Agency comes at a great time. September has been designated as Hunger Action Month, when food banks across America urge people to stand up and fight hunger in their town. While it’s amazing that agencies such as the commissary are able to make huge impacts in the communities, you can make a difference too.

Food banks are always looking for donations. 1 in 6 Americans suffer with food insecurity, meaning they often go hungry or worry about having enough to eat. If 1 in 6 doesn’t catch your eye, that’s roughly 50 million Americans wondering if they’ll be able to put dinner on the table.

You can make a difference this month, and always, by donating the food in your pantry that isn’t going to get eaten. We all have a jar of this and a can of that that we question why we ever bought it in the first place. No one in the house is going to eat it, but there is someone out there that would be grateful to have it.

Make some time to clean out your kitchen of unwanted, unused items and take them down to your local food pantry. If you don’t have any food to give, you can still help by volunteering your time.

Hopefully the commissary, and this article, have helped to open your eyes to the growing need for donations in food pantries across the country and you will take action to help alleviate hunger in your town.

Want to know about the commissary food bank donations? Click here.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Specials

09/07/2015 By Michelle Volkmann

As a child, my mom and I had a Sunday ritual. After Sunday dinner, we would sit at the kitchen table together. She would clip coupons from the Sunday newspaper while I discarded the expired ones from her coupon envelope and added in the newest additions.

While recently reflecting on this weekly ritual, I had to chuckle to myself. This routine seems so old-fashioned in today’s high tech e-coupon world. I don’t buy the Sunday newspaper. I don’t clip paper coupons. I don’t have a coupon envelope that I carry in my purse.

Instead I use my commissary rewards card app to conveniently download digital coupons every Sunday night.

With the commissary rewards card, I don’t have to remember to bring my coupons with me, just my card.

I don’t spend time sorting through the paper coupons to find the one I need for each product in the commissary. I simply hand the card to the cashier and the discount is taken at the time of purchase. And best of all, I don’t waste time digging through coupons checking the expiration dates. The commissary rewards card automatically removes the expired ones from My Coupons List.

This Sunday, I logged onto my commissary rewards card account to load digital coupons on to my card for this week. This week, like every week, there are some terrific money-saving coupons available through the commissary rewards card that paired with September’s commissary specials will remind you that the commissary is worth the trip.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

1. Save $0.75 on any 2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Even though the summer barbecue season is over doesn’t mean your family can’t enjoy hot dogs as a quick dinner on Tuesday nights. In my house, hot dogs are a staple for a kid-friendly meal year-round. If you don’t have a commissary rewHow often do you add digital coupons to your commissary rewards card?ards card yet, you can download and print that $0.75 Oscar Mayer Hot Dog coupon here.

2. Save $1.50 on any 3 Classico® Red Sauce Products. Requires a minimum purchase of 3. Speaking of quick and easy dinners that your children will eat without complaining, let’s talk spaghetti. My kids are obsessed with pasta and would it every night, if we let them. Stock up and save on Classico sauce in September.

3. Save $6 on any 1 Nasacort® Allergy 24HR 120 Spray or Larger. Act quick to take advantage of this coupon available through the commissary rewards card. This offer expires September 20.

4. Save $5 on any 2 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas. Requires a minimum purchase of 2. Baby formula along with diapers are the two most expensive items that you buy for your baby. As a mother I would jump for joy when I found a coupon for formula. Then I would use it immediately. If you don’t have a commissary rewards card yet, you can digitally clip a $3 Gerber® Graduates® Formulas coupon here. There’s also a $3 off coupon for Pampers Cruisers or Extra Protection or Baby Dry Diapers.

5. Save $0.50 on any 1 Windex® product. Use this coupon as your motivation to wash your windows and shine your bathroom mirrors.

6. Save $3 on 1 Feline Pine™ Cat Litter. Enough said.

10 Commissary Rewards Card Coupons that You Should be Clipping Today

Use the commissary rewards card app to save even more money at your commissary.

7. Save $3 on 1 Gillette or Venus Razor. Smooth savings for you and your husband.

8. Save $2 on any 2 AVEENO® products. Aveeno is my favorite. I use the baby wash with my daughters. I use the sunscreen. I use AVEENO® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 on my face every single morning and I can’t live without my AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion. The same $2 coupon can be digitally clipped here.

9. Save $1 when you buy any 1 Starbucks VIA® item. Instant coffee=instant happiness in my house. If you buy two, don’t forget to clip this e-coupon. You can save $2.25 when you buy 2 Starbucks VIA items.

10. Save $1 on any Glad® Food Protection Item. Through my church I used to deliver meals to new mothers, sick people and people who were recovering from surgery. I never wanted the person receiving my homemade meal to worry about returning my Tupperware to me, so I stock up on Glad food storage containers whenever they are on sale and I have a coupon. Then I can afford to deliver the meal without worrying about if I’ll get the container back.

This list are the coupons that I downloaded onto to my commissary rewards card last Sunday. I’ll log on again next Sunday to check for more coupons.

Want to know about the commissary rewards card? Here’s how and why every commissary shopper should be using a commissary rewards card.

Commissary Sales Make Back to School Easy

09/02/2015 By Military Shoppers

September brings so many exciting things…

One of those things is of course back to school for our little ones. And back to school means back to sports! Once school is in session, we are flooded with things to do. Soccer, fall ball, indoor basketball and of course, homework! Pair that with packing lunch and making dinner every night, and I think it’s safe to say that I am one busy momma. I also think it’s safe to say, I’m not alone. Moms and Dads alike do it all this time of year and one of the things we worry about most is keeping our little ones fed and happy amidst the chaos.

My solution:

DelMonte® Fruit Burst™ Squeezers and Fruit Cups. My kids love them, seriously. Love. them. And so do I! They’re good on the go, easy to pack in a lunchbox, nutritious and make my little ones oh so happy. When it comes to school lunch, it’s a challenge to find healthful snacks that my kids will actually eat. I’m always on the hunt for a snack that won’t come back home in their lunchbox. You know what I’m talking about, the carrot sticks or apple slices that roll around in the half empty lunch box throughout the school day that weren’t touched, but need to be tossed once they’ve made their journey back home. Well with DelMonte® Fruit Cups, I NEVER have to worry about that. They gobble them up like candy, they’re pre-packaged so it’s easy for me and I can rest assured that they are eating a well balanced snack. Right now, they’re a steal at $1.50 for a 4-pack.

Why wouldn’t you scoop them up for school lunch?

Not to mention, DelMonte® Fruit Burst® Squeezers are the perfect snack to tote along to soccer for an after game snack. I will be stocking up on these tasty treats at only $1.50/4-pack and a few 10-packs of   Hi-C® Fruit Drink (Powerbuy for only $1.39/10-pack) for when it’s my turn to bring game day snacks for the whole team. With 10 thirsty and hungry little mouths running off the field, these snacks and fruit drinks fit the budget and the bill! After all that fun at soccer, we come home on Sunday and it’s time to relax and enjoy the game, the football game that is. In our house, we love football (side note: if you do too, you don’t want to miss this contest for an autographed football!) and my little guys can’t get enough of it, so for game day we let loose for a bit, put out a bag of Lay’s® Classic Potato Chips (on sale for $2) and of course, TOSTITOS® Tortilla Chips (only $2.98 thru September) and snack on! The kids love ‘em and the adults do too! For my husband, I put out his favorite buffalo chicken dip. It’s a winning combo every time.

And if you’re a dog lover like I am, you know that September is also a great time for playing outside with your pet.

But in order to give your pet the endurance he needs for all that outdoor play time, trust me when I say, you’ve got to feed him Purina® Pro Plan® pet food. They’re not lying when they say it’s Nutrition That Performs™. My golden retriever Lola loves Purina® Pro Plan® Sport™ Active Dog Food that’s on sale for only $18.43 at the commissary. Not only can I say she loves to eat it, but it gives her the energy she needs to keep up with my 9 and 5 year old boys. Yes boys! She actually wears them out! Not even school, soccer or baseball can do that. Only Nutrition That Performs™ can do that! Thank you, Purina® Pro Plan®!

With all of these savings what are you waiting for? Make the back to school and back to sports transition easy.  Take advantage of these and the rest of the Commissary Specials on sale at the Commissary now.

And don’t forget to maximize your savings with printable coupons and your Commissary Rewards Card.

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September is Preparedness Month

08/27/2015 By Military Life Administrator

deCA

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Corporate Communications
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         52-15                                                                                                                       
Date:                              August 27, 2015
Contact:                         Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

September is Preparedness Month

Commissary patrons can save on their emergency supplies

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

 

Note: For a graphic related to this news release, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157655499189273.

 

FORT LEE, Va. – Ten years ago on Aug. 25, Hurricane Katrina began its historic path of destruction through the Gulf Coast, making landfall near Miami. When its rampage through southeast Louisiana, coastal Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and Georgia was done, Katrina would become one of the five deadliest hurricanes and the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, causing nearly 2,000 deaths, displacing a million people and wreaking $108 billion in damages.

National Preparedness Month in September is reinforcing one of the most significant lessons learned from Katrina: Make an emergency plan for any crisis – natural or manmade.

As bad weather tends to be the source of the most recurrent and probable emergencies, the Defense Commissary Agency is keen on informing its patrons to prepare their survival kits by taking advantage of their benefit.

“The 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina underscores the importance of being prepared for any crisis, especially the sudden disruption of electric power and water or the possibility of an evacuation,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales. “An emergency can happen anytime, anywhere, and together with our industry partners, we are offering savings on many of the items our patrons need to be prepared.”

Since April 1, DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package is offering various items at reduced prices until Oct. 31. This package includes the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific promotional items may vary from store to store.

This preparedness emphasis parallels the peak activity for hurricanes in the United States. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, covering the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

  • Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
  • Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
  • Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper
  • Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener
  • First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications
  • Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap
  • Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks
  • Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes
  • Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags
  • Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Duct tape, scissors
  • Multipurpose tool
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Maps of the area
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about National Preparedness Month, go to http://www.ready.gov/September and http://www.ready.gov/considerations/military-family-preparedness.

For more information on preparing for emergencies, go to the following websites:

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php; the Centers for Disease Control, http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/supplies.asp; the Red Cross, http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

 

-DeCA-

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

 

 

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

 

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

 

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

 

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

 

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

 

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

 

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

DeCA Announces its Best Commissary Winners

08/25/2015 By Military Life Administrator

commissaryNEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Corporate Communications
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

 

Release Number: 50-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

DeCA announces its Best Commissary winners
By DeCA Corporate Communications

Note: For photos related to this news release, please go to

FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency announced the selection of its best stateside and overseas stores for 2014.
DeCA’s selections for the Best Commissary awards acknowledge the agency’s leading stores based on exceptional service and dedication in delivering the commissary benefit. The awards recognize the best of the best in commissary operations, said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu.
“Our commissaries worldwide deliver the commissary benefit every day, and these awards highlight the best examples of supporting our service members and their families,” Jeu said. “It’s important to note that a Best Commissary award speaks to superior teamwork – a collaboration of excellence involving our employees, industry members (vendors, suppliers, and brokers) and military stakeholders.”
To win, a store has to exceed DeCA’s normal criteria for customer service, accountability, safety, operations and sales.
The awards are named in honor of American statesmen who championed quality-of-life issues for the military community.
Winning commissaries by category are:
• Bill Nichols Award for the Best Large Commissary in the United States
o First Place: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
o Second Place: Fort Huachuca, Arizona
• Richard M. Paget Award for the Best Small Commissary in the United States
o First Place: Fort Hunter Liggett, California
o Second Place: Saratoga Springs, New York
• Dan Daniel Award for the Best Large Commissary Overseas
o First Place: Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany
o Second Place: U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza, Italy
• L. Mendel Rivers Award for the Best Small Commissary Overseas
o First Place: Izmir Air Station, Turkey
o Second Place: U.S. Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, South Korea
• Director’s Award for the Best Superstore
o First Place: McGuire Commissary at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.
o Second Place: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit
COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

Commissary Offers Cool Savings This Fall

08/20/2015 By Military Life Administrator

deCANEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

 

Release Number: 49-15
Date: August 20, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Your commissary offers cool savings this fall

By Sallie Cauthers

DeCA marketing and mass media specialist

 

Note: For a photo related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157657490324951.

 

FORT LEE, Va. – As summer fades, commissary shoppers will see plenty of cool sales events throughout their store offering Labor Day promotions, Oktoberfest celebrations, case lot sales, and lots of in-store coupon flyers and instant coupons full of high value savings, said the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“As we head toward the cooler days of autumn, we want commissary customers to know we’re offering plenty of promotions to help them save money and maximize their benefit,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA director of sales.

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

Now and continuing through September, stateside commissaries are offering Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales. Each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales on one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

These sales provide commissary shoppers super deals — up to 50 percent savings on some items — on bulk buys of cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages and paper goods. During these “parking lot” sales, commissaries also offer sale pricing on some seasonal fresh produce on sale and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store. Look online, http://www.commissaries.com/stores/html/store.cfm?dodaac=N&page=case_lot_dates, for the schedule of your local Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale.

From late September until early October, commissary shoppers who cannot attend Oktoberfest in Germany can still find in-store products for their own celebrations. Commissaries have a full line of German products from chocolates, cookies, sauerkraut, mustard and red cabbage, to rich German coffee and more.

Unilever is offering their annual “Italian & American Festival of Savings” from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7. This year’s promotion features Unilever brands such as Hellman’s, Lipton, Knorr and Breyers, as well as personal care brands such as Dove, St. Ives, Vaseline, Q-Tips and Tresemme. More than 125,000 high-value in-store coupon flyers will be distributed worldwide. A donation of up to $20,000 on behalf of commissaries will be made to the Fisher House based on the total commissary sales for this savings event.

“Don’t miss these fall savings,” Russ said. “It’s worth the trip to your local commissary.”

-DeCA-

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

 

 

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

 

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

 

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

 

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

 

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

 

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

 

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

 

 

 

How to Request Specialty Items at Your Commissary

08/17/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

I’m going to let you in on a little known detail about the commissary.

Did you know that we can request specialty items?

If your favorite brand or grocery item isn’t found at your location, you are encouraged to request it and there are a couple ways to do so.

Where do you begin?

You can start with picking up a “Your Action Line” customer form available inside the commissary. It’s typically found at the front, most likely where customer service is located. Utilize this form to list your specialty items and return it to the commissary. Another way to leisurely request your specialty items is to submit your request via the Customer Contact Form online.

Commissary stock is done by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Sales Directorate. The Sales Directorate is in charge of the different contracts that are filtered out to your commissary location. Therefore, your request for specialty items, whether filled out online or submitted in store will get sent to DeCA headquarters. Also, the Sales Directorate researches and listens to the community to determine the best products for a particular location.

There is another avenue that can help you receive a specific product at your commissary and that’s working directly with your commissary management. DeCA suggests that you request a meeting with a manager during a shopping trip or you can call your commissary’s management team. Find the contact info for your location by using this link. By establishing a relationship with commissary management on the specialty items you need, it will allow them to relay the request to the Sales Directorate straight.

Whatever method you decide to use, be sure you have the specific Universal Product Code (UPC) of each product.

That’s the unique information typically located under the bar code that would identify your specialty items for the Sales Directorate to possibly work with distribution channels to acquire your requested goods. I would be as detailed as possible in explaining the product like other known names, description, etc. It’s helpful to work with commissary management personally because they can walk you through the process and might be able to offer you any insight in the process.

For commissary customers that are overseas, it’s more of a challenge due to international shipping and the fact that goods need to be in DeCA’s Catalog Master File before it can be added to OCONUS commissaries. since it takes much longer because of rules and regulations that are in place, the product’s shelf life and packing makes it difficult as well, so that’s a huge factor to consider if you are overseas requesting specialty items.

Have you requested a specific product at your commissary? What was your experience with it?

Commissary Case Lot Sale News Release

08/13/2015 By Military Life Administrator

deCA

NEWS RELEASE
Defense Commissary Agency
Corporate Communications
1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800
Tel: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105 DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105
FAX: (804) 734-8248 DSN: 687-8248
www.commissaries.com

 

Release Number: 48-15
Date: August 13, 2015
Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist
Tel.: (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissary case lot sales offer maximum savings

By Mike Perron,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: For photos related to this news release, please go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157654783311664.

FORT LEE, Va. – With everyday prices averaging 30 percent less than other grocery stores, the commissary has earned its reputation as the best deal in town. But every once in a while – around spring and fall, in fact – patrons can find even better deals as stateside commissaries launch their “Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales.”

This year’s fall sales are starting across the U.S. now, as each store hosts individual two- or three-day case lot sales during one weekend between mid-August and the end of September. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating.

“You will find much higher savings at the case lot sales, up to 50 percent on some items,” said Sallie Cauthers, marketing and mass communication specialist at the Defense Commissary Agency headquarters.

Cauthers explained that some of the best values are found in bulk purchases. “If you have a large storage area, you can stock up on bulk supplies of paper products — toilet paper, paper towels and more — and save sometimes double off our regular commissary prices.”

The sales events are not limited to just a few select items. “These sales provide shoppers super deals on bulk items including cereals, breakfast bars, chips, beverages, and paper goods,” she said. “Commissaries also offer great deals on seasonal fresh produce and provide high-value coupons for products inside the store.”

In addition to better pricing, case lot sales are distinguishable from big box club stores by what is called “mix and match” offerings. “If you have a large family, you can’t go wrong with our mix and match section where you can take like items and mix up bulk-size cases,” Cauthers said. “Mix and match offerings include cereals, canned items, beverages and various other grocery items for year-round use.”

Customers have a variety of options to choose from. Sale items include products in the following categories:

  • Fruit snacks, pudding snack packs, granola bars, fruit bars, pastries, peanut butter and popcorn
  • Water and flavored water, teas, juices, juice mixes, sodas, sports drinks and breakfast drinks
  • Frozen pizza and sausage links
  • Chilled items to include cheeses, yogurt and yogurt mix
  • Prepackaged meats such as lunchmeat, bacon and pork loin
  • Pet supplies to include bagged and canned food, treats and cat litter
  • Pasta, barbecue and pasta sauces, spices, rice, oriental noodles and bowls, chili mix and condiments
  • Cookies, brownies, pancakes and muffin mixes; oatmeal
  • Canned fruit, vegetables, soups, tuna and chili
  • Sandwich, storage and freezer bags; paper products and cleaning supplies such as bathroom tissue, fabric sheets and laundry detergent
  • Health and beauty care including diapers, wipes, shampoo and conditioner, soaps, shaving gels and body lotions

Commissaries in Europe and the Pacific, while not officially participating, may have substitute events such as sidewalk sales.

“Our commissaries offer the very best grocery products worldwide in savings and great value to our military and their families,” Cauthers said. “These twice-a-year sales offer even more value and savings for their hard earned dollar.”

-DeCA-

 

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Stay Connected to Your Commissary Benefit

COMMISSARIES.COM: Visit www.commissaries.com to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line and more.

COMMISSARY CONNECTION: Stay connected with the latest news about your most valued benefit, Hot Links to additional savings, shopping sprees, contests, commissary promotions, events and more, go to www.commissaries.com/subscribe.cfm and subscribe to the Commissary Connection newsletter.

FACEBOOK: Visit www.facebook.com/YourCommissary, DeCA’s Facebook page, where you can post comments and share news, photos and videos.

YOUTUBE: To see DeCA’s latest videos, visit www.youtube.com/DefenseCommissary.

TWITTER: To see DeCA’s latest “tweets,” visit www.twitter.com/YourCommissary.

PINTEREST: To see DeCA’s theme-based image collections, visit http://www.pinterest.com/YourCommissary.

FLICKR: To see DeCA’s latest photographs, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/.

 

 

 


 

 

Case Lot Sales at the Commissary!

08/13/2015 By Military Shoppers

Stock up on products and SAVINGS at DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sale!

What is a case lot sale?

Case lot sales at the commissary are sales that offer deep discounts on large quantities of various products.  Basically, you buy in bulk and save BIG.  When shopping the case lot sales, don’t forget to stock up on products with a longer shelf life, non-perishables and household products! For those items that you think might not last long enough for your family to use entirely, consider shopping with a fellow milspouse or military friend and splitting the cost.  It’s a great way to save and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

What will you find at your commissaries case lot sale?

There’s no definitive answer pertaining to exactly what your commissary will offer.  So go and find out!

You can find a list of the categories offered here.

“We choose the items from the list that we think will sell well at our stores,” said Mark Crump, the store manager at the Little Creek commissary. “These are not items that have been sitting in our warehouse.”

Will it be crowded?

Umm, absolutely.  DeCA’s customer appreciation case lot sales are an optimal time for saving, and in the military we know that every penny counts, so definitely expect a crowd.

Oh, and to really maximize your savings don’t forget your coupons and your Commissary Rewards Card!

A

  • Aberdeen PG: September 4-6
  • Air Force Academy: September 18-19
  • Albany MCLB: September 3-5
  • Altus AFB: August 28-30
  • Anchorage Area: September 17-20
  • Andrews AFB: August 20-22
  • Annapolis NSA: September 11-13
  • Arnold AFB: September 3-5

B

  • Bangor ANGB: September 17-18
  • Bangor NBK: September 17-19
  • Barksdale AFB: September 18-20
  • Barstow MCLB: September 2-5
  • Beale AFB: September 1-3
  • Bolling AFB: August 28-29
  • Bremerton NBK: August 21-23
  • Bridgeport MCMWTC: September 18-19
  • Buckley AFB: August 27-29

C

  • Camp Lejeune MCB: September 3-5
  • Camp Merrill: September 18-19
  • Camp Pendleton MCB: September 10-13
  • Cannon AFB: August 25-27
  • Carlisle Barracks: August 20-23
  • Charleston AFB: September 2-4
  • Charleston NWS: September 15-17
  • Cherry Point MCAS: September 15-17
  • China Lake NAWS: September 2-4
  • Columbus AFB: September 25-27
  • Corpus Christi NAS: September 4-6
  • Crane NSWC: August 28-29

D

  • Dahlgren NSF: September 17-19
  • Davis-Monthan AFB: September 3-5
  • Dover AFB: September 4-5
  • Dugway PG: September 10-12
  • Dyess AFB: September 15-20

E

  • Edwards AFB: August 27-29
  • Eglin AFB: September 11-13
  • Eielson AFB: September 18-20
  • El Centro NAF: September 28-30
  • Ellsworth AFB: August 28-30

F

  • F. E. Warren AFB: September 18-19
  • Fairchild AFB: September 17-19
  • Fallon NAS: September 15-16
  • Forest Glen (formerly Walter Reed): September 4-6
  • Fort Belvoir: August 27-29
  • Fort Benning: September 17-19
  • Fort Bliss: August 20-22
  • Fort Bragg North: September 18-19
  • Fort Bragg South: September 3-5
  • Fort Buchanan: September 18-20
  • Fort Campbell: September 25-26
  • Fort Carson: September 18-19
  • Fort Detrick: September 10-12
  • Fort Drum: September 15-16
  • Fort Eustis: Waiver – not participating
  • Fort Gordon: September 3-5
  • Fort Greely: August 28-29
  • Fort Hamilton: September 4-6
  • Fort Hood – Clear Creek: August 27-29
  • Fort Hood – Warrior Way: September 4-6
  • Fort Huachuca: September 18-20
  • Fort Hunter Liggett: September 17-19
  • Fort Irwin: August 28-30
  • Fort Jackson: September 3-5
  • Fort Knox: August 28-29
  • Fort Leavenworth: September 18-19
  • Fort Lee: September 11-13
  • Fort Leonard Wood: September 18-19
  • Fort Lewis: September 1-5
  • Fort McCoy: September 11-12
  • Fort Meade: September 3-6
  • Fort Myer: September 10-12
  • Fort Polk: September 4-6
  • Fort Riley: September 18-19
  • Fort Rucker: September 17-19
  • Fort Sam Houston: September 11-13
  • Fort Sill: September 3-5
  • Fort Stewart: September 2-4
  • Fort Wainwright: August 28-30
  • Fort Worth: August 27-29

G

  • Goodfellow AFB: August 28-30
  • Grand Forks AFB: September 17-19
  • Great Lakes NS: September 4-6
  • Gulfport NCBC: September 4-6
  • Gunter AFB: September 24-26

H

  • Hanscom AFB: September 4-6
  • Harrison Village: September 4-6
  • Hickam AFB: August 20-23
  • Hill AFB: September 17-19
  • Holloman AFB: September 4-6
  • Hunter AAF: September 11-13
  • Hurlburt Field: September 24-26

I

  • Imperial Beach: September 18-20

J

  • Jacksonville NAS: September 17-19

K

  • Kaneohe Bay MCBH: August 28-30
  • Keesler AFB: September 25-27
  • Key West NAS: September 4-5
  • Kings Bay NSB: September 4-6
  • Kingsville NAS: September 11-12
  • Kirtland AFB: August 28-30
  • Kodiak: September 11-12

L

  • Lackland AFB: Waiver Renovation
  • Lakehurst NAES: September 10-12
  • Langley AFB: September 3-5
  • Laughlin AFB: September 4-6
  • Lemoore NAS: September 11-12
  • Little Creek Navphibase: September 3-5
  • Little Rock AFB: August 27-29
  • Los Angeles AFB: September 3-6
  • Luke AFB: September 10-13

M

  • MacDill AFB: September 17-20
  • Malmstrom AFB: September 17-19
  • March ARB: September 17-20
  • Maxwell AFB: August 13-15
  • Mayport NS: September 18-20
  • McChord AFB: September 17-20
  • McClellan: September 3-5
  • McConnell AFB: September 25-27
  • McGuire AFB: September 17-20
  • Memphis NSA: September 18-19
  • Meridian NAS: September 15-16
  • Minot AFB: September 15-17
  • Miramar MCAS: September 4-6
  • Mitchel Field: September 3-5
  • Moffett Field: September 25-27
  • Moody AFB: September 1-3
  • Mountain Home AFB: September 16-18

N

  • Nellis AFB: September 17-20
  • New London (Groton): August 28-29
  • New Orleans NSA: September 18-20
  • New River MCAS: August 17-19
  • Newport NS: September 4-6
  • Norfolk NAVSTA: August 14-16
  • North Island NAS: September 3-6

O

  • Oceana NAS: September 25-28
  • Offutt AFB: September 11-12
  • Ord Community: September 17-20

P

  • Parris Island MCRD: September 3-5
  • Patch Barracks: August 31 – September 3
  • Patrick AFB: September 3-6
  • Patuxent River NAS: August 28-31
  • Pearl Harbor: September 18-20
  • Pensacola NAS: September 17-19
  • Peterson AFB: September 4-6
  • Picatinny Arsenal: September 18-19
  • Pittsburgh Area: August 20-21
  • Port Hueneme: August 29 – September 1
  • Portsmouth NNSY: September 1-3
  • Portsmouth NSY: September 17-19

Q

  • Quantico MCB: August 26-27

R

  • Randolph AFB: September 25-27
  • Redstone Arsenal: September 24-26
  • Richards-Gebaur: September 18-19
  • Robins AFB: September 3-5
  • Rock Island Arsenal: September 18-19

S

  • San Diego NB: September 17-19
  • San Onofre: September 17-19
  • Saratoga Springs: September 3-5
  • Schofield Barracks: August 31 – September 3
  • Scott AFB: September 10-12
  • Selfridge ANG BASE: September 18-20
  • Seymour Johnson AFB: September 16-19
  • Shaw AFB: September 17-19
  • Sheppard AFB: August 28-30
  • Smokey Point: September 24-27

T

  • Tinker AFB: August 28-30
  • Tobyhanna: August 7-8
  • Travis AFB: August 28-30
  • Twentynine Palms MCAGCC: September 1-3
  • Tyndall AFB: August 20-22

V

  • Vance AFB: August 21-23
  • Vandenberg AFB: August 28-31

W

  • West Point: September 18-20
  • Whidbey Island NAS: September 18-20
  • White Sands: September 17-20
  • Whiteman AFB: August 29-30
  • Whiting Field NAS: September 3-5
  • Wright-Patterson AFB: August 27-29

Y

  • Yuma MCAS: September 17-19
  • Yuma PG: September 3-5

*Per DeCA:

Always check with your commissary for date changes or cancellations before you go. Case lot sales may be cancelled due to weather or other events beyond our control.

Commissaries are not responsible for early sell out of items during case lot sales due to high customer volume or limited product availability.

Commissary Rewards Card Helps Military Families Save Money

08/10/2015 By Michelle Volkmann

I’m always on the hunt for ways to save money when grocery shopping for my family. The desire to spend less and get a bargain is the reason that I shop at my military commissary.

When I want to shave a little more money off my grocery bill, I use my commissary rewards card. I use it every time I shop at my commissary as a convenient way to save money without the hassle of clipping paper coupons.

What is the Commissary Rewards Card?

Commissary Rewards Card Helps Military Families Save Money

How much money have you saved with your commissary rewards card this year?

The commissary rewards card program has been available in all commissaries since August 2012. Its main purpose is to give commissary patrons a hassle-free way to redeem coupons electronically. It’s an e-coupon program specifically for the commissary and can only be used at the commissary.

If you don’t already have a commissary rewards card, ask your cashier for one the next time you’re buying groceries. Then go online to register it. After creating your account, download the commissary rewards application for iPhone or Android. For busy moms, the free mobile app is key to getting the most out of your commissary rewards card.

Next comes the fun part: loading your coupons on your commissary rewards card.

Once your card is registered, you can log in and digitally clip the coupons easily. I usually start by comparing available e-coupons with my shopping list.

For example, Barilla angel hair pasta is my go-to family-friendly meal on hectic nights. Right now, there’s a coupon to save $1 on any 4 boxes of Barilla pasta. I’ll digitally clip that coupon. Then it’s ready for my next trip to the commissary. When commissary cashier scans my ID card, I also hand her my commissary rewards card. You want the cashier to scan the commissary rewards card before any groceries.

As a discount double check, I use the commissary rewards app on shopping day. Before getting in line, I’ll pull up the app and double check the items in my grocery cart with the current e-coupons. (This is why I’m super excited about DeCA’s plan to improve the Wi-Fi inside their stores.)

Let’s face, I don’t always stick to my grocery list. But by using my commissary rewards card, I don’t feel so guilty about my impulsive purchase of Chex Mix. I saved $0.50 with my commissary rewards card.

Keep in mind that these digital coupons have expiration dates just like paper coupons. If you have an e-coupon on your card and a paper coupon, you can’t use both because it’s against DeCA’s double coupon policy.

The system is set up to accept the commissary rewards card coupon first so if you have a paper coupon that expires earlier and you want to use that one, don’t use your card on that commissary trip. Save it for your next trip.

Or you can buy enough to cover both items. For example if I have a Barilla paper coupon and an e-coupon, I buy 8 boxes of pasta. That’s enough to fulfill the requirements for both coupons.

DeCA said that “new digital coupons are posted two to three times weekly,” so be sure to log in regularly so that you don’t miss any savings. I also recommend subscribing to the commissary rewards card email alert. These emails remind you when new coupons are available.

Curious about your savings with your commissary rewards card? Look at the bottom of your receipt. Your total savings is printed there.

Do you have a commissary rewards card? How much money have you saved with it?

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