We Salute You!

To all of our dedicated commissary employees working hard to keep the commissaries open and operating in order to deliver the commissary benefit in 240 stores worldwide, we thank you!

 Your hard work and dedication prove that you too are among the many unspoken heroes to emerge during these unprecedented times. Our servicemembers and their families rely on your commitment to serve by keeping our commissaries functioning in a safe and efficient manner. Your mission is critical and like the men and women you serve, your expertise and devotion has not gone unnoticed.

 We know that you too are on the front lines. Helping our military community replenish and restock their homes with groceries and supplies is mission critical. These times are unparalleled, but the work you have done and continue to do will not go unrecognized.

So today, we salute you!  

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) recently announced the cancellation of the annual Spring Sidewalk Sales as well as other special events in the wake of COVID-19 (also known as the Coronavirus) concerns. “The cancellation of these events is due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our employees, customers and industry partners,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales.

DeCa has also implemented a rationing system. In-Store signage will indicate if an item is rationed and what the allowable quantity is. You also won’t be able to place a special order on these items. So no gaming the system and special ordering toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Commissary Store Directors decide locally which items are limited based on availability. Likely items include bottled water, spray disinfectant, baby wipes/sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, rice and bleach.

Central distribution centers, the central meat processing plant and DeCA stores are all designated mission-critical in DOD’s response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic according to Virginia S. Penrod, acting assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “”Providing for the care and feeding of our military members and families is a critical requirement that must be accomplished at all health protection condition levels,” she announced.

Grocery stores tend to have a high level of sanitation due to food safety concerns and with the outbreak your Commissaries are working hard to keep you safe. Commissary customers worried about whether or not it’s safe to shop in the store shouldn’t be, said Army Lt. Col. Angela Parham, DeCA director of health and safety. “We follow the highest standards of DOD health protection in our stores,” she said. “This means we are always vigilant to ensure our workforce follows the strictest precautionary measures including routine hand washing and other basic sanitation measures to avoid spreading germs.”

“Our commissaries undergo daily sanitizing, disinfecting and cleaning regimens tailored to protect our customers’ health,” Parham added. “These routine measures used by food establishments to prevent ordinary foodborne illness also work to keep viruses from spreading and help keep customers and employees from getting sick.”

Here are other changes DeCA has made to ensure the health and safety of employees and patrons.

• commissary cashiers will no longer handle patron ID cards. Instead, customers will be asked to scan their own ID; cashiers may use the handheld scanner if available.
• 100% I.D. card checks at the entrance of the store. Children under 10 with their parents don’t have to have an ID Card.
• Guests/Visitors will no longer be allowed to accompany patrons at the commissary.
• designated ‘COVID-19 Vulnerable’ hours – check your local commissary for hours
• No ‘Early Bird’ shopping hours.
• As an additional precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commissary will discontinue the use of reusable shopping bags.

When shopping the commissary in the next few weeks, make sure to allow extra time for I.D. checks and slower moving lines with social distancing. Don’t stress the system by shopping only for what you typically need and be conscious of your fellow patrons by not clearing the shelves of a select item.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

An oft misunderstood aspect of shopping at your local commissary is the 5 percent surcharge added to your total when you check out. Many question this fee and think it adds to their cost making the commissary not as good a deal. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) calculations include applicable taxes in commercial grocery store prices and surcharge in commissary prices. Average savings over off base grocery store vary on your location but in 2019 range from 20% or more in stateside commissaries to 35.1% in Alaska and Hawaii and 42.2% overseas. The average savings from all commissaries is 25.6%. So even with the surcharge you can save quite a bit shopping at the commissary.

According to a recent article in the Military Times by Karen Jowers, the commissary surcharge could be going away per a Pentagon proposal. It is a complicated because the commissary surcharge is mandated by law and is used to for construction and maintenance of facilities. A few surcharge facts from DeCA:

• The 5 percent surcharge added to every commissary customer’s receipt – goes directly back into the benefit, paying for the modernization and replacement of stores. It’s the funding source for maintenance and repairs, store equipment and store-level information technology systems, such as checkouts.
• It is not a tax. Surcharge dollars go back into stores, paying for the construction and modernization. In fiscal 2018, the surcharge budget is nearly $271 million.
• The surcharge has been set at 5 percent since 1983, and cannot be changed without congressional approval.
• The surcharge’s history traces back to 1879 and features various applications and rates through the years leading up to 1983. Through the years, thanks to the surcharge, patrons have a direct role in sustaining and enhancing their commissary benefit.

According to Jowers, the Pentagon proposal to do away with the surcharge is part of draft legislation to change the law.  It appears the purpose is to allow the money currently raised by the surcharge to be used for the commissaries operating fund and to do away with the surcharge fund. This would take money for basically reserved for a building fund and move it into day to day operations of the commissary saving money on the Pentagon budget for commissaries.

She interviewed Kelly Hruska, Director of Government Relations for the National Military Family Association who voiced concerns. “I have a lot of questions. I still don’t understand how the variable pricing will be adjusted to make up for loss of surcharge.” I’d like to understand where the proposal came from, and the purpose of the proposal. I don’t know how this would help the customer. You’ll be raising shelf prices that won’t benefit customers. Since customers compare prices — if the commissary price is higher, they’ll shop elsewhere.”

My concern is what happens if money is moved out of the surcharge fund. What will pay for the maintenance and improvement of our commissaries? Also, if there is no surcharge will prices go up at the commissary?

Currently there is no information on this new proposal on the DeCA website. When information on changes to our benefits leak it is a good thing because it allows us to advocate for our benefits with Congress. The legislature has ruled against Pentagon requests in the past so if a benefit is important to you make sure to write your Congressional representatives to let them know.

‘Tis the season for colds, flu and generally feeling run down. While loading up on all the meds seems like a great course of action, sometimes whipping up a homemade remedy is just what the doctor ordered.

Take Care of Your Cold with Commissary- Sourced DIY Recipes

All you need to DIY your own at-home treatments starts with a trip to the commissary.

Feel Better, No Meds Needed

Start your day off with a little extra pep in your step, or just getting back to feeling semi-normal again.

Grab your favorite brand of eucalyptus or tea tree soap and hop in the shower. Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Bath for Babies is also great for adults, too. Lather up and breath deeply.

The steam from the shower combined with the scent of the soap will help to open your sinuses. You’ll feel better!

If you have more time, or you’re taking a sick day, draw a nice, hot detox bath. Add in some Epsom salts, essential oils and more of your preferred cold-remedy bath gel. Close the bathroom door to trap the steam and soak away your cares, plus also hopefully your cold.

If you don’t have time for a soak or a shower, you can set up a steam inhalation kit at home. Boil water and then pour the very hot water into a bowl. Position your nose and mouth over the bowl, draping a towel around your head and the bowl to trap the steam. Close your eyes and inhale deeply.

Everyone remembers the classic smell of Vick’s VapoRub from their childhood. Perhaps wafting off of a grandparent nightly? That go-to grandma cold remedy is still totally legit. Bonus: it comes in more scents than just the classic eucalyptus, too. Slather that on your chest, back and feet. Breath deeply.

At night, steam up your room with a humidifier. You can pick up one at the Commissary. Add a Vick’s humidifier insert for extra soothing effects.

Rest Up to Heal Yourself

The best remedy for winter colds and flu season is to simply rest.

Seriously, take a sick day. Cuddle up on the couch, sip soup and tea (see recipes below). Take a bath. Do nothing.

Healing yourself takes time. Taking a day to do nothing other than rest and heal is essential to getting better.

Plus, your co-workers will thank you for not spreading germs around the office.

Cook Up Your Cold & Flu Remedies!

Grandma was also right about chicken soup being great for a cold. Science has shown that there are real benefits to enjoying your favorite bowl of chicken soup, noodles or rice optional.

Seriously, the recipe you use doesn’t matter. Here’s the one we use:

Ingredients:

• cooked chicken, chunked or shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• other optional veggies: potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas – literally anything you want to throw in the pot
• 1 carton chicken stock or broth
• oil or butter
• salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage

How to:

1. Heat the oil or butter in a large soup pot, then add the onions and celery. Cook until softened, slightly clear and fragrant.
2. Add the celery, corn and other veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Add the chicken and garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, adding water or another carton of broth to your preference. Add salt, pepper and other spices.
5. Heat until boiling then reduce to a simmer until all veggie are tender. Add noodles if desired.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve piping hot!

Yum!

It’s also important to stay hydrated when you’re feeling poorly. Drinking hot tea can help you to feel better, too! Try our simple recipe, based on the original recipe from The Spruce Eats.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 oz hot water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh or powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric

How to:

1. Heat water to boiling.
2. In a mug, combine all other ingredients. Adjust amounts to preference, but a generous amount of honey is recommended.
3. Grate fresh ginger, if needed, and add to the mug.
4. Add the boiling water and stir to combine. Wait until cool enough to drink and enjoy.

Turmeric has been noted for anti-inflammatory properties generally, but not specific to colds. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory as well as being anti-microbial. Honey also has similar properties, plus the added benefit of specifically being good for relieving coughs and sore throats.

Best of all, you can grab all the essential ingredients for all of these at home cold or flu remedies right at your local Commissary! Brave the trip yourself or ask a sympathetic friend to pick up some essentials for you.

What are your tried-and-true DIY cold or flu remedies? Share your wisdom in the comments!

Eating healthy can be hard work, especially if you’re trying to cut down your meat intake. It’s just so yummy! And so easy to cook.

Starting soon, the Commissary will be adding more plant-based meat-replacements in varieties that even the pickiest of kids (or soldiers) can enjoy!

Commissaries Expand Meatless Meat Offerings

Meatless, plant-based proteins are all the rage as many Americans work to cut their animal protein consumption. Moving toward a diet with a higher percentage of plant-based foods can help cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve your personal health!

Commissaries around the world have been stocking some varieties of plant-based meat products for a few years. Stock has been added based on demand in various locations.

“Many commissaries have long sold vegetarian and plant-based meat products in keeping with consumer demand,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s sales director. “But demand has grown for more of these options, and so we’ve expanded our offerings in our worldwide network of stores.”

Now the Commissary is prepared to meet the needs of its customers with more options!

“The demand for these products is through the roof,” said Daniel Clary, DeCA’s meat and seafood category manager. “Whether it’s for health, convenience or taste, our patrons have demonstrated that they want plant-based meat. We are definitely looking at expanding our inventory of meat alternatives to match what our patrons want.”

To meet demand, four new additions, produced by Beyond Meat, will be added to Commissaries worldwide. Look for Beyond Burger, Brat Sausage, Hot Italian Sausage and Plant-Based Ground on shelves near you soon!

“Every month we are seeing double-digit increases in sales; the plant-based products are in very high demand and our stores are excited to be able to offer this stock assortment to their shoppers,” said Andrea Coyle, store operations perishable team member.

These options should be rolling out in the very near future, joining products already on the shelf in many locations.

Allergen-Friendly, Meatless Meat Products

Many are seeking plant-based proteins due to dietary restrictions, like allergies or sensitivities. All of the Beyond Meat options are:

• Certified Kosher
• Vegan
• Non-GMO project verified
• No soy or gluten
• 20 grams of plant protein per serving
• 25 percent less saturated fat than ground beef
• Cholesterol-free

That makes these products a great choice for people who are trying to stick to a strict diet.

 “It’s exciting to see that the commissary is working diligently to increase offerings to meet the multitude of lifestyle and dietary preferences of our military community while saving our patrons money in the process,” said Health and Wellness Program Manager Deborah Harris, MPH, RD, CDE.

Why “Fake” Burgers & Brats?

You might be shaking your head and rolling your eyes, wondering why anyone would willingly eat these “fake” meat replacements. And yes, these items aren’t for everyone.

But they can also help you to have a more balanced diet with increased fiber – something many Americans lack in their diets.

“With an increased focus on the benefit of protein in the diet, plant sources of protein help meet protein needs as well as offer a different nutritional profile than animal sources,” said Harris. “For example, plant-based protein sources also provide fiber, which most Americans lack in their diets.

However, for individuals who need to eat less meat for medical reasons or are choosing to do so as part of a lifestyle shift, having plant-based proteins can be an easier transition.

Using a plant-based protein to use in place of meat allow those making this dietary transition to:

• Cooking familiar recipes
• Eating familiar foods
• Easing resistant family members into the new diet
• Appeasing reluctant or picky eaters
• Sneaking “healthier” foods into typical meals

All of this can make the switch from meat to, well, not meat simpler and more seamless.

How Do You Cook Meatless Meat?

Generally, these plant-based products should cook similarly to the real deal! Throw Beyond Burgers on the grill or cook in a skillet. Same with the sausages and ground “meat” products.

Use these as you would animal-based proteins.

Meatless burgers and sausages can be served at your next BBQ, with all the regular fixings! Serve with buns and all the fixings for a vegan or lower meat feast that everyone can enjoy.

Combine the ground “meat” with bread crumbs and eggs for a vegetarian meatball. Add these on top of pasta and sauce for a delicious, hearty meal.

Other options include:

• Meatloaf
• Chili
• Brats & sauerkraut
• Pasta dishes + sausage
• Burgers
• Casseroles
• Hamburger helper-type sides

Often, these meat-like products are so similar in taste and texture to their real-deal counterparts that it may be challenging to distinguish between meat and not meat.

With demand going through the roof, hurry in soon to ensure that you can snag some Beyond Meat options ASAP.

Have you tried the plant-based “meat” options from the Commissary? What do you think? Sound off in the comments!

You’ve earned new benefits at the Exchange, Commissary and MWR! Yes, you. Even if you didn’t hit your full 20 year mark or previously didn’t qualify, you will have access to the Exchange and MWR on base in January 2020.

Exchanges and MWR Opening Up for More Veterans in 2020

Starting January 1, 2020 additional groups of honorably discharged service members and their caregivers will be eligible to make purchases on-base, including at the Exchange, Commissary and MWR. Eligible patrons include:  

• Purple Heart recipients
• former POWs
• all service-connected disabled veterans, of all ratings
• caregivers enrolled in the VA’s Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program

This will allow these individuals access to tax-free or reduced cost goods and entertainment, stretching their budgets further.

Places Open for Expanded Business

Eligible patrons will be able to shop at the Exchanges, Commissary and revenue-generating elements of MWR.

This means that they will not be able to use the gyms, since these are subsidized by the DoD. However, they can patronize MWR-run on base restaurants, movie theaters and golf courses. On base hotels, bowling alleys and other for-profit enterprises are also going to be opened to identified categories of veterans and caregivers.

Things to Know Before Shopping

While you may be able to shop on base, you might also be looking at additional fees if you pay by credit or debit card. Right now, the DoD has a program in place to subsidize the cost of credit or debit transactions at the commissary. However, by law, they cannot cover this fee for the newly eligible beneficiaries.

Instead, they will charge 1.9% in fees for credit card transactions. Debit card transactions will see a 0.5% fee.

However, all newly eligible beneficiaries will be able to apply for the Military Star Card. There are no transaction or processing fees associated with this card, since it is an in-house payment method.

You can also avoid fees by paying with cash or check.

How Many Will Be Served

According to Military.com, the DoD estimates that 3.5 million individuals will become eligible for Exchange, Commissary and MWR benefits in January 1. However, based on demographic data they have determined that around 800,000 will actually take advantage of these benefits.

They expect that veterans and caregivers in Guam, Hawaii and California will be most excited to shop on base.

Getting On Base Again

Access to base is limited, requiring proper identification and/or an authorized pass to move past the gate guards. While some veterans may still have identification that provides base access, many do not.

For veterans, identity will be established by showing the Veterans Health Identification card or VHID. This will grant them access to base and to the qualifying shopping areas or other facilities.

Caregivers should receive a memo granting them access. They will be able to drive onto the base by presenting this memo and their REAL ID identification.

Once on base, veterans and caregivers should head to the visitors center to register their credentials. Following registration, they will be able to access base as if they had a CAC or other DoD ID.

More information will be forthcoming from the Exchange, Defense Commissary Agency and MWR across all services in the coming weeks. Look for promotional materials and information about how to access services and determine your eligibility by January 1.

Do you plan to access the Exchange, Commissary or MWR facilities, if eligible? What are you looking forward to using most? Sound off in the comments!

Crisp leaves, fuzzy sweaters and cool weather! At least, that’s the plan for many military families. But even if you’re stationed somewhere subtropical or in the desert, you can still dive into fall!

Fall Into Fall at Your PX & Commissary

You can get set for autumn weather, no matter where you’re stationed, right at your base’s Commissary and PX!

Pretty Door Decor

Start strong, right at your front door!

Grab a gorgeous fall Welcome wreath, available online or in-store at select Exchanges. I love the colorful leaves, cheerful sunflowers and country-chic font. It almost looks homemade!

Or if you’re feeling a little less cute and a lot more spooky, add some Halloween decor to your door. There is a great eyeball wreath that will make you cackle in ghoulish delight. Or the ever classic bone-wreath. For something cuter and less scary, a neon-colored witch theme door wreath is perfect!

Get Cozy

The Exchange is a great place to shop for fuzzy, warm fall sweaters.

Since fall days can start and end cooler, but get warm in the middle, a wrap sweater is a great option. You’ll be able to stay warm when there’s a chill in the air, but get comfier if the day heats up.

For the gentlemen, pick up a half-zip sweater. It’s perfect for apple picking and fall festivities, too.

Soothing Sippers

Your Commissary is the best place to grab all the best hot fall drinks.

Pick up hot cocoa mix and some whipped cream. Pout yourself a nice hot mug of cocoa, topped with a little cream and maybe some sprinkles.

Or get your morning started with pumpkin spice flavored coffee. This fall favorite is available in bags or as Keurig-compatible pods.

A good book seems to call for a cup of tea. You can get all the best brands at the Commissary! From Tazo to Celestial Seasonings.

Get Slow Cooking

Nothing says fall quite like a hot, homestyle meal. You can make your own yummy dinner with almost zero effort!

Stop at the Exchange to grab a slow cooker. I like the set it and forget it ease of programmable options. Set the time to cook at a particular setting, then it will automatically switch to “warm” until you manually shut it off.

Next, swing into the Commissary for some essentials. Grab your favorite broth – beef, veggie or chicken – plus onions, carrots, herbs and other hardy veggies. Chop and combine everything into your slow cooker for a hearty fall veggie soup!

Or brown some ground meat and add some beans for a creative take on chili.

The sky is the limit when it comes to slow-cooked meals: whole chickens, soups, stews, chili and even breads or desserts!

Go Apple Picking & Bake a Pie

You’ve gone to the orchard, but now you have a ton of apples. There’s only so many a person can eat. But apples are also great for cooking!

Pick up a new pie plate at the Exchange (or some single-use tins at the Commissary) and get baking! Slice and dice those apples, add in some sugar and spice – it’s everything nice – before you slide it into a buttery crust.

No apples? No problem! Pick up some fresh apples at the Commissary. Or grab a can of pre-mixed apple pie filling.

Whatever kind of pie you’re baking, top it with ice cream for a classic fall treat.

Scent-sational Fall

I love when I come home and my house smells like fall. All cinnamon-y and warm.

Grab wax melts and candles at the Exchange.

Candles are great for setting the mood over a warm, cozy dinner or for a night in. Pick tall white unscented candles for a date night at your house. You don’t want anything competing with your yummy food smells!

For your fall night in, grab candles in your favorite fall scents. Yankee Candle makes super amazing, long-lasting candles in a ton of fall fragrances.

For all-day scent, try plug-ins and wax warmers. These no-flame options deliver tons of incredible fragrance 24/7. All you need is an outlet!

Just Add Pumpkins!

Just starting to get in a fall frame of mind? Get yourself some pumpkins!

The Exchange has a ton of pumpkin decor, ready for you to showcase in your fall-theme home. I love the white pumpkins – they’re perfect for using a paint pen and channeling all my Pinterest ideas.

Ready for the next level? Head to the Commissary for the real thing! Pick up a carving kit, too. Settle in for a day of pumpkin carving with your family! Nothing says fall like jack-o-lanterns.

How do you decorate and celebrate fall? We’d love to try your best ideas!

Pssst, you guys. Yeah, you! I need to share a sneaky secret that you’re probably, maybe, missing at your local Commissary.

Two words: store brands.

Over the last year or so, DeCA has rolled out store and partner brands. These are high quality, lower-cost pantry staples that every family buys often.

Let me tell you: I’m hooked! I know the Commissary is often known for carrying brand names at slightly less than stores out in town. But I’ve almost totally switched from those big names to the Commissary brands!

MilFams Save More Cash When You Buy Commissary Store Brands

Since I switched over to store brands, I’ve seen my savings increase! And I’m not buying anything unusual or that we don’t need. Instead, I’m making smart swaps to save some cash.

Even though the per item difference might just be a few cents, maybe a dollar, those small amounts definitely add up over time. Just one shopping trip can save me over $5, even when compared to using coupons.

What Brands Are Store Brand?

It’s pretty easy to spot store brands in other places. Target has UpandUp. Giant and Stop & Shop have Nature’s Promise.

But spotting the Commissary’s store brands might be a smidge harder.

When you’re shopping look for:

• Freedom’s Choice: food items, like canned goods and baking products
• Homebase: paper products and non-food household goods

These are the private label brands, directly owned and produced by DeCA. You can find these labels on all sort of great products. Seriously: so many staples!

There are also partner brands. These are brands that you might see at other stores, but are priced like store brands. You can find:

• Full Circle Market: organic, non-GMO and USDA organic items across the spectrum
• TopCare: health and medical items, like bandaids and floss
• Tippy Toes: baby care, like diapers and wipes

There are also pet food and birdseed brands available to shoppers at some locations.

What Store Brands Does a Real MilFam Buy

Some of my favorites are toilet paper and canned products, like beans and tomatoes. See? Pantry staples!

I’m constantly adding canned diced tomatoes to my everyday recipes. They’re a great addition to soups, pasta sauce and baked chicken. Yum!

My family has also been on a major healthy, organic food kick. So we’re cutting back on meat-eating and switching to mostly fruits and veggies. Lately, I’ve been absolutely loving the Full Circle Market organic canned beans.

They’re so much cheaper than comparable brand name organic beans! The quality is really great, too.

My kids are obsessed with eating the organic chickpeas, straight up with no seasoning. Plus, beans of all sorts are yummy additions to chili or to a vegetarian rice bowl.

As a baker, I’ve switched completely over to Freedom’s Choice flour and sugar. There’s no real difference between these pantry staples and the name brand products! Plus, that extra money allows me to buy more baking goods and make bigger batches of cookies. My kids appreciate that.

We switched over to the Homebase toilet paper when it first rolled out. It’s a good bit cheaper than the name brands the Commissary carries. There’s enough of a difference that I’ll gladly swap my triple thick, but pricey, TP for the two-ply Homebase rolls. No questions asked!

Shop & Save with Store Brands

Yes, I do still add non-store and partner brands to my cart. There aren’t equivalent products for everything I need available. At least, they’re not available right now, at my location.

There might be slightly different products available at your duty station!

But when I have the choice, I’m going with store brands. Hands down, every time.

It’s just smart, financially, to pick something just as good but with a lower price. All that money I’m saving goes straight into our vacation fund account! We’re planning a great trip, partially financed with savings because we’re shopping the Commissary’s store brands regularly.

What’s Stopping You From Switching to Store Brands

My family isn’t particularly choosy about brands, which is lucky. But I know that some families might be.

You might have grown up always buying the name brand or a particular brand. But here’s the thing: do canned diced tomatoes really taste that much different? What about flour?

Personally, I can’t tell the difference between Progresso and Freedom’s Choice once they’re out of the can. And I actually did a taste comparison before fully making the switch over.

Before you rule out store brands just because you’ve “always” bought the brand names, do a taste test. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised! I know I was.

When you’ve switched over on those pantry staples, you might even be able to splurge on some special, more pricey grocery items. I know that I love having a little more flexibility to grab gourmet olives and fancy bread.

Have you made the switch to the Commissary’s store brands? Sound off in the comments!

Tell them how you really feel, more quickly and easily than ever before! Your DeCA Commissary wants your honest feedback and they’re rolling out a new survey tool to help you share your thoughts.

As of July 21, Commissary customers worldwide can take a quick survey after every visit. At the bottom of your next Commissary receipt will be a link to the new ForeSee survey.

Share Your Thoughts on the New Commissary Survey

ForeSee has replaced Survey Monkey as the preferred survey tool for DeCA. Previously, customers were able to take a Customer Satisfaction Survey once annually.

“ForeSee is a robust survey tool that’s used by NEXCOM and many other commercial retailers to gain real-time customer feedback,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, DOD special assistant for commissary operations, who is also CEO of the Navy Exchange. “DeCA is committed to delivering a premier customer experience in every store and this is a powerful tool to help us do that.”

Following your next Commissary trip, you’ll have seven days to complete the new survey. You can access your survey at https://mydeca.me/receipt.

Take the Commissary Survey

After you visit the Commissary, check the bottom of your receipt. You’ll need the purchase ID and station number to complete the survey. Once you’re inside the survey, you’ll be able to rate your experience across a variety of categories.

Share your thoughts on a variety of aspects, including customer service and overall experience. You can complete a survey within 7 calendar days following every trip to the Commissary.

Survey Results Driving Commissary Practices

With an easier survey available to customers, DeCA policymakers will be able to tackle issues while still keeping what works.

“ForeSee converts our customers’ ‘voice’ into actionable insights to improve customer satisfaction,” Mary Michael, chief of the agency’s business analytics team said.

Previously, DeCA had asked customers to complete a satisfaction survey once every year. This data provided a baseline of customer experiences over the course of one year, but didn’t allow DeCA to track operations regularly.

The ForeSee system, with ongoing availability, should allow DeCA to monitor customer satisfaction and experiences on a more routine basis.

“Instead of snapping a chalk line once a year, as we do with our annual Commissary Customer Service Survey, we’re going to be able to get feedback on a daily basis and the store managers will be able to act on it,” Bianchi said. “We’ll be able to see it. It will be useable data. I am excited about that because that will allow us to transform more quickly while adapting to feedback that we’re getting from our customers.”

Comparing Commissaries to Local Grocery Stores

One big bonus is that ForeSee will allow the Commissary to be directly compared to off-base competitors, like big chain grocery stores.

“Another benefit is that it allows us to compare the performance between commissaries and the commercial grocers that use ForeSee,” Karl Crosson, DeCA’s statistician, explained.

DeCA will be able to view results from other grocery stores also using ForeSee. This will help the Commissary to make changes in order to be more competitive with customer service and overall experiences of shopping on-base.

This survey is the first of three new customer satisfaction measures that DeCA is set to begin in the neat future.

Down the road, the ForeSee platform will allow additional surveys to be shared with customers. In addition to the receipt survey, you might also see targeted social media surveys or links to surveys on commissaries.com.

ForeSee Only Works Because Of You!

While this new ForeSee survey will be able to provide more frequent feedback for improved accuracy, those results will only populate if Commissary shoppers take the survey.

After your next Commissary trip, hop onto the survey and share your feedback with DeCA!

Be on the lookout for additional ways to share your thoughts about the Commissary via social media platforms or at commissaries.com

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September Highlights Awareness of Foodborne Illnesses

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:         68-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              August 29, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Food safety month

September highlights awareness of foodborne illnesses

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to YouTube for a video related to food safety month. Go to the website to read the release online.

FORT LEE, Va. – Every year, an estimated 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses, resulting in 3,000 deaths and nearly 130,000 hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In observance of Food Safety Education Month in September, the Defense Commissary Agency joins the CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service, the Department of Health and Human Services and other organizations to help prevent foodborne illnesses by increasing awareness of improperly handling food items.

With so much at stake it takes everyone – producers, retailers and consumers alike – to help prevent foodborne illnesses, said Army Lt. Col. Angela M. Parham, director of DeCA’s Public Health and Safety.

“Commissaries have military veterinarians and store food safety specialists inspecting food sources, deliveries and products on the shelves to help ensure they’re free of potential contaminants,” Parham said. “However, when our patrons leave the store they also have a responsibility to handle their groceries properly and protect themselves from foodborne illnesses.”

Bacteria and viruses are the leading causes of food poisoning, according to FoodSafety.gov, and there’s plenty that people can do to help protect themselves from them, Parham said.

“As advocates of ‘Be Food Safe’ guidelines we want commissary patrons to understand how they can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses when they leave the store,” she said. “Just by washing your hands before, during and after handling food you can help prevent a lot of problems.”

The “Be Food Safe” message, developed by the CDC and the USDA, is simple: clean, separate, cook and chill. They are the basis for the following safe handling techniques:

Clean

• Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat, poultry or seafood.
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to prepare the next item.
  • Food contact surfaces can be sanitized with a freshly made solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Separate

• Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
• If possible, use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.
• Never place cooked food or foods that are eaten raw, like salads, on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood.

Cook

• Cook poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F as measured with a food thermometer.

Chill

• Chill food promptly and properly. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within two hours (or one hour if temperatures are above 90 F).

Parham recommends commissary patrons bring a cooler during a long trip to and from the store to help prevent foodborne illnesses by maintaining proper temperatures of foods.

“Going from the shelf to your home can be a breeding ground for potential problems if you’re not careful,” she said. “It’s vital to prevent cross contamination by ensuring different perishable foods are separated in the shopping cart or in the car.”

A few more tips for handling food safely can be found at www.homefoodsafety.org:

• Use hand sanitizer to wipe hands and the handle of the shopping cart.
• Clean hands before sampling food. Either bring moist towelettes or carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to use before you taste.
• If you use reusable grocery bags, wash them often.
• Check food packages for holes, tears or openings. Frozen foods should be solid with no signs of thawing.
• Check for a loose lid on jars whose seals seem tampered with or damaged. Report a defective cap to the store manager.
• Avoid buying cans that are deeply dented, bulging, rusting or have a dent on either the top or side seam.
• Use plastic bags to separate raw meat, poultry and seafood before placing them in your cart to avoid contaminating ready-to-eat foods like bread or produce.
• When shopping, select perishable foods last before checkout and group them together.
• Take groceries home immediately and store them right away. If on an extended trip, bring a cooler with chill packs for perishable foods. Perishable foods must be refrigerated within two hours and only one hour if it is over 90 F outside.
• Keep perishable foods out of the hot trunk in summer and place in the air-conditioned car instead.  

The DeCA website is a good resource for food safety. To find the latest food safety alerts and product recalls affecting military commissaries, visit the News Room on commissaries.com and select the box that says “Food Recall.”

For more on food safety awareness, go to the CDC website. Information on food handling techniques is also available at Eatright.org.

-DeCA-