Stronghold’s 2025 Impact — A Year of People, Purpose and Standing Together

A Year of People, Purpose and Standing Together

As Founder and CEO, Monica Bassett reflected on 2025, she described Stronghold’s growth as something to celebrate, not simply because of the numbers, but because of the people behind them.

Stronghold has always been a grassroots nonprofit powered by volunteers, donors, Ambassadors, community partners, and military families. In 2025, the Stronghold movement continued to grow — every milestone reflected a deeper commitment to listening to real needs and building a stronger, more connected military community.

2025 impact at a glance  

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, volunteers, Ambassadors, and community partners, Stronghold continued its mission of strengthening military families and responding with care.  In 2025, Stronghold served more military-connected individuals than ever before.

Stronghold averaged 119 patrons served each week, a 32.7% increase from the previous year. The organization expanded its footprint across 26 states and distributed 93,897 pounds of fresh food, a 29.5% increase from 2024.

Every pound distributed represents more than a number. It reflects Stronghold’s commitment to providing fresh food that is thoughtfully selected and tailored to each family's unique needs.

A movement powered by people

Stronghold has always been powered by people, and in 2025, that community grew stronger.

Retirees, active-duty service members, business professionals, nonprofit and corporate leaders, military spouses, military kids, first-time donors, and long-standing supporters all stepped forward with the same message: "I can help!”

That collective commitment allowed Stronghold to reach families week after week with food, dignity, and compassion.

Military families told their neighbors. Commanders reached out to learn and share our resources with their units. Organizations asked how Stronghold creates a real impact.

None of this was accomplished alone. It was accomplished together.

Honoring a founding partnership with Armed Forces Insurance

Before Stronghold Food Pantry had a name, a footprint, or a movement behind it, Armed Forces Insurance believed in the vision of founder and CEO Monica Bassett, the 2022 AFI Army Spouse of the Year.

What began as a simple conversation and an offer of support became the foundation on which Stronghold was built.

From the earliest days at Fort Leavenworth, AFI provided more than pantry space. They provided faith, support, and a willingness to help when it mattered most. That belief helped transform an idea into a nationally recognized grassroots military nonprofit serving families across the United States.

Expanding support through Pop-Up Pantries

Stronghold’s reach continues to grow through Pop-Up Pantry events designed to bring support directly to military communities. These events also help expand access to food and resources while building trust within military communities.

Stronghold kicked off its 2026 Pop-Up Pantry events in February with a stop at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Additional Pop-Up Pantry stops are coming throughout the year, including:

• Fort Carson, Colorado

• Norfolk, Virginia

• Jacksonville, Florida

• San Diego, California

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

• San Antonio, Texas.

A trusted partner

Stronghold knows that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation. It is often intertwined with stress, transitions, employment challenges, and the overall well-being of the entire family. That is why Stronghold is grateful to stand alongside organizations like Wounded Warrior Project, which shares a commitment to supporting military families with dignity and respect.

The Wounded Warrior Project Resource Center serves as a personalized support hub for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. At no cost, families can connect to trusted programs and resources related to mental health, family support, benefits, education, employment, housing resources, and more.

Stronghold is honored to partner with Wounded Warrior Project and share this resource with our Stronghold families as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring families never navigate challenges alone.

Celebrating Stronghold Ambassadors

Stronghold is proud to celebrate three incredible Ambassadors who were named Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Award nominees:

Kelsey Watts of Fort Riley, Kansas; Shelby Bateman of MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina; and Sarah Hallford of the National Reconnaissance Office in Virginia.

Stronghold Ambassadors are more than volunteers. They are change-makers who help break down barriers, build trust, and help deliver essential support to families wherever they serve.

Their nominations reflect the leadership, service, and compassion that Stronghold Ambassadors bring to military communities.

Join the Stronghold movement

As Stronghold steps into 2026, the mission remains clear: to bring the same impact, care, compassion, and dignity to every family we serve in more places than before.

There are several ways to support this work.

You can become a Stronghold Ambassador and help expand support to military families in your community. You can donate to help provide groceries, essential items, and resources to families facing food insecurity. You can also support Stronghold by purchasing a Stronghold bracelet, designed by Monica in collaboration with Charliemadison Originals.

Thank you for being part of this movement.

We are stronger together.