(The Center Square) – A federal watchdog has reported problems with the Defense Department’s nutrition programs, finding that poor health and nutrition are “significant challenges that threaten U.S. military readiness and the ability to maintain a healthy force.”
Parliament report As part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued rules on nutrition labeling. The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military have taken steps toward implementing a color-coded nutrition labeling program (green for high-performing foods, yellow for medium-performing foods, and red for low-performing foods). GAO found that 19 military dining facilities it surveyed had not fully implemented the required program elements.
Eating healthy can be difficult for U.S. military personnel for a variety of reasons. In July 2022, the Department of Defense reported that 24% of active duty military personnel experienced some level of food insecurity in 2019. Specifically, 14% of military personnel reported experiencing low food security, defined as a reduction in food quality, variety, or attractiveness, and another 10% reported experiencing very low food security, defined as multiple signs of disordered eating habits and reduced food intake.
“DoD has taken steps to implement a major nutrition labeling program and a variety of key nutrition initiatives at its funded dining facilities,” the report states. “However, some facilities have not fully implemented their labeling programs, and DoD has not fully responded to Congressional directives on food transformation, including by establishing a nutrition leadership structure. Additionally, DoD and the Services limit nutrition programs and initiatives at its unfunded dining facilities.”
