Soldiers replenish store shelves in a base commissary in Guam. (Image source: DVIDS)
Military families are the backbone of our national defense, but their financial strength is often tested by rising grocery bills, clothing costs, and everyday expenses.
Thankfully, there’s a powerful duo in their corner: military commissaries and exchanges.
In 2024, these essential benefits are receiving a significant upgrade, offering deeper savings, expanded eligibility, and increased convenience for service members, veterans, and their families.
Commissaries: Your Discounted Grocery Gateway
Imagine this: You walk into a store stocked with all the essentials – milk, bread, eggs, meat, produce – and the prices are consistently lower than what you’d find at your local supermarket.
That’s the reality of shopping at a commissary, a benefit exclusive to authorized patrons. And in 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) is making these savings even sweeter.
Supercharged Savings
The average commissary shopper already enjoys a 22 percent discount on groceries compared to civilian stores. But this year, the DoD is investing heavily to bring those savings even higher, targeting a 3-5 percent additional price reduction on essential items. Stock up on bread, milk, eggs, and other staples, knowing you’re getting the absolute best deal.
Click2Go for the Busy Family
Don’t have time for a leisurely shopping trip? No problem! The innovative Click2Go program, now available at all commissaries worldwide, lets you order groceries online, select a convenient pick-up time, and then simply pull up curbside. Commissary staff will load your groceries directly into your car, saving you valuable time and effort.
Doorstep Delivery on the Rise
The future of grocery shopping for military families might involve staying in your pajamas! A pilot program in select locations is testing doorstep delivery within a 20-mile radius of participating commissaries. While the long-term availability remains to be seen, the potential for added convenience, especially for families with young children or those stationed far from the base, is a game-changer.
Military families are the backbone of our national defense, but their financial strength is often tested by rising grocery bills, clothing costs, and everyday expenses.
Thankfully, there’s a powerful duo in their corner: military commissaries and exchanges.
In 2024, these essential benefits are receiving a significant upgrade, offering deeper savings, expanded eligibility, and increased convenience for service members, veterans, and their families.
Commissaries: Your Discounted Grocery Gateway
Imagine this: You walk into a store stocked with all the essentials – milk, bread, eggs, meat, produce – and the prices are consistently lower than what you’d find at your local supermarket.
That’s the reality of shopping at a commissary, a benefit exclusive to authorized patrons. And in 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) is making these savings even sweeter.
Supercharged Savings
The average commissary shopper already enjoys a 22 percent discount on groceries compared to civilian stores. But this year, the DoD is investing heavily to bring those savings even higher, targeting a 3-5 percent additional price reduction on essential items. Stock up on bread, milk, eggs, and other staples, knowing you’re getting the absolute best deal.
Click2Go for the Busy Family
Don’t have time for a leisurely shopping trip? No problem! The innovative Click2Go program, now available at all commissaries worldwide, lets you order groceries online, select a convenient pick-up time, and then simply pull up curbside. Commissary staff will load your groceries directly into your car, saving you valuable time and effort.
Doorstep Delivery on the Rise
The future of grocery shopping for military families might involve staying in your pajamas! A pilot program in select locations is testing doorstep delivery within a 20-mile radius of participating commissaries. While the long-term availability remains to be seen, the potential for added convenience, especially for families with young children or those stationed far from the base, is a game-changer.
Commissary at Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Image source: DVIDS)
Exchanges: Your One-Stop Shop for Tax-Free Savings
Exchanges are the military’s answer to department stores, offering a wide variety of brand-name merchandise, from clothing and electronics to appliances and furniture.
The best part? Everything is sold tax-free, offering significant savings compared to civilian retailers. And in 2024, the Exchange benefit is expanding to include more veterans.
Welcome Home, Veterans! Previously, only veterans with service-connected disabilities could shop in-store at exchanges. Now, veterans with Purple Heart awards, former prisoners of war, and primary caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in the VA’s Caregiver Program can join active duty personnel, retirees, and their families in enjoying the full exchange shopping experience. This expanded eligibility ensures more veterans can benefit from the tax-free deals offered by exchanges.
Can I shop at an exchange?
If you’re one of the following, then yes, you can! Active duty, veterans with disabilities, retirees, and their families can all enjoy the savings. Even some DoD civilians and veterans’ caregivers qualify.
Shop Anywhere, Support Everywhere
No matter your service branch, you can take advantage of exchange savings. Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Navy Exchange Service Command (NEX), Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), and Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) stores all welcome authorized shoppers, regardless of their military affiliation. Plus, all veterans can shop online for tax-free deals, making it easier than ever to find the items you need at a price you can afford.
Making the Most of Your Military Benefits
Both commissaries and exchanges have expanded their operating hours in 2024 to accommodate busy schedules. Many offer weekend and evening hours, allowing you to shop when it’s most convenient. Remember to check with your local Commissaries and Exchanges for specific details on hours, locations, and any shopping restrictions that may apply in your area.
By shopping at exchange stores, you not only save big but also support your military community. You’ll find tax-free name brands at unbeatable prices, keeping more money in your pocket. Plus, a large portion of profits goes back to the base and employs many military family members.
Shop securely online 24/7 with free shipping (over $49 with your Military STAR® card) or visit in-store with flexible payment options and hassle-free returns. From uniforms and everyday essentials to electronics and appliances, the exchange has it all, making it your one-stop shop for all your needs.
Commissary Shelf (Image source: DVIDS)
The Bottom Line: A Stronger Commissaries and Exchanges Benefit in 2024
Military commissaries and exchanges are more than just stores; they’re a vital support system for military families. By understanding the changes and expansions implemented in 2024, you can leverage these valuable resources to their fullest potential.
From deeper discounts on groceries to expanded eligibility for veterans, convenient shopping options like Click2Go, and potentially doorstep delivery, Commissaries and Exchanges benefits are stronger than ever.
So, take advantage of these resources, stretch your budget further, and let the 2024 Commissaries and Exchanges upgrades make your military life a little bit easier.
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