In Roy, Utah, the nonprofit organisation Operation Homefront ran a Veterans Day food distribution event that reached 250 military households, providing crucial relief during the ongoing federal government shutdown. With paychecks delayed or missing, many families who serve are facing severe financial stress.
Struggling While Serving
Former Air Force serviceman Alex Price, his wife (also a veteran) and their two young children are among those impacted. He explained: “I haven’t received a paycheck in two months, so this help is a lifeline.
Working without pay really takes its toll.” His wife recently left active duty for medical reasons, and Alex has shifted into a reservist role — but the disruption in pay has hit them hard.
Rising Demand for Aid
According to Susan Ziesman, Vice-President of Integrated Public Relations at Operation Homefront, the organisation is witnessing record demand: “We’ve seen a 57% increase in requests for food assistance, which is unprecedented in the time that we provided assistance.”
While support for military families is a regular part of their mission, the shutdown has intensified the need.
More Than Just Holiday Meals
Operation Homefront conducts several food distributions during the year, but their work goes beyond holiday events.
Ziesman notes: “In addition to holiday meals for military families, we run a critical financial assistance programme where families turn to us when they reach a financial struggle.
Even before the shutdown, many were already struggling — the shutdown has just made the problem worse.”
Standing With Those Who Serve
Despite the financial and logistical hurdles, the organisation remains committed to supporting service-members and their families.
“Most Americans feel like our military families do so much for our nation, and they should never have to struggle,” Ziesman said.
Relief That Makes a Real Impact
For the Price family, the food distribution offers tangible support. “This will probably last us through the end of the year.
So we’re really thankful,” Alex said. The help has eased immediate worries, allowing them to focus on family instead of finances.
The federal shutdown has placed an increased burden on active-duty and reservist families, particularly those living in places like Roy, Utah.
Through sustained programmes and holiday food distributions, Operation Homefront is stepping in to support these families — offering both immediate relief and long-term aid.
But the spike in need highlights a deeper reality: military households often carry heavy financial burdens even outside crisis periods. These support efforts matter now more than ever.
