Reliable access to food can help Veterans build stability when facing homelessness
VA’s food-first approach to preventing Veteran homelessness
In fiscal year 2025, more than 100,000 Veterans experienced food insecurity, a serious challenge that can affect health, stability and overall well-being. While not every Veteran experiencing food insecurity is homeless, those with unreliable access to food and housing instability often stem from many of the same underlying challenges, including financial hardship, unemployment, mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
When money is tight, every dollar matters and food is often one of the first necessities Veterans are forced to stretch. Veterans shouldn’t have to choose between their next meal and finding stable housing. Every Veteran deserves reliable access to nutritious food and the opportunity to build a healthy, stable future.
Food security supports housing stability
Veterans may not realize they’re experiencing food insecurity because they’re getting by with SNAP benefits, food pantries, meal programs, hunting or support from family members and friends. Those resources are incredibly important, but relying on them consistently to afford food may indicate they could benefit from additional support.
Even if Veterans have enough food to eat, they may experience nutrition insecurity, meaning they don’t always have access to or can’t afford the types of foods that support their well-being and help manage existing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Long-term, food insecurity can also increase the risk of physical and mental health challenges.
Constantly having to think about where their next meal will come from can also make it harder for Veterans to prioritize everything else, including finding housing. Having reliable access to healthy food can reduce daily stress and give Veterans more time and energy to attend appointments, secure employment and reconnect with support systems.
VA’s Food Security Office (FSO) takes a “food is medicine” approach to supporting Veterans by empowering local VA healthcare providers as they help Veterans connect to food, nutrition and supportive services that promote immediate and long-term well-being. Rather than focusing only on whether Veterans have had enough to eat today, this approach helps ensure they receive support that addresses both their immediate needs and the challenges contributing to their food insecurity.
Supporting Veterans beyond their next meal
Not every VA facility offers the same food programs. Local resources vary based on community partnerships, staffing and available services. However, Veterans experiencing food insecurity can get connected to support through a social worker, primary care provider, registered dietitian or other members of their VA care team. VA social workers, in particular, often help coordinate services and connect Veterans to available resources based on their circumstances. Depending on a Veteran’s needs and the resources available in their community, VA can help connect them to:
- Local food pantries, food hubs and community meal programs.
- SNAP or other food assistance programs.
- Medically tailored meals or groceries for Veterans with certain health conditions.
- Registered dietitians for nutrition counseling.
- Housing, healthcare, employment and other supportive services.
As a Veteran’s situation changes, their care team can continue helping them move beyond meeting basic food needs and toward accessing nutritious foods that support their long-term health. A registered dietitian can help Veterans:
- Shop for healthy foods on a budget.
- Understand nutrition labels.
- Plan affordable meals.
- Build cooking skills.
- Choose foods that help manage chronic health conditions.
No Veteran should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Veterans who are worried about accessing food can call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) to get connected to nutrition, social work, primary care and other services available through VA.
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