Army & Air Force Exchange Service Nourishes Warfighters’ Children Through School Meals

SEMBACH, Germany – For nearly 70 years, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has brought healthy, affordable meals to Warfighters’ children to sustain them throughout their busy school day.

The Exchange’s school meal program provided more than 4 million meals at Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Europe and the Pacific in 2022. The program has been in place since 1955 and greatly contributes to the Quality of Life for military families.

“The Exchange’s school meal program leads the way in caring for military children,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Meals are provided to students at- or below-cost, and families may apply for free or reduced-price meals to help them get through their day with focus and energy and to give their parents peace of mind.”

David Groat, Landstuhl Elementary School teacher, praised the program.

“Parents know their children have access to high-quality food prepared daily,” Groat said. “Exchange personnel become part of the school family and they build relationships with the students. The associates become familiar with students’ dietary needs and even restrictions. They are always looking out for the children.”

DoDEA schools in Europe and the Pacific receive their whole-grain baked goods from the Exchange’s bakeries at Gruenstadt, Germany; U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys; Yokota Air Base; and Camp Kinser, Okinawa.

The Exchange school meal program offers meals in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture’s nutrition standards. Whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat milk are offered daily. For more information, visit www.aafes.com/about-exchange/school-lunch-program.

Social-media-friendly version: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been providing nutritious, low-cost meals to Warfighters’ children overseas for nearly 70 years. Learn more about the program: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-2wd.

— 30 —

Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 54^th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.5 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

###

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Orisha Spence at [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange

Instagram: @shopmyexchange

Marisa Conner

Marisa is a PR executive and writer in the Public Affairs department at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)

www.aafes.com