Stronghold Food Pantry begins 2026 by expanding support for military families

As 2026 began, founder and CEO Monica Bassett spent time reflecting on what it means to grow with intention.

At Stronghold Food Pantry, growth has never been about numbers alone. It has always been about listening, learning, and responding to the real needs of military families with dignity and care.

The strongest programs are not built from data alone, but from conversations, shared experiences and the moments when families feel safe enough to say, “This is what we need.”

That commitment shaped the first quarter of the year, from the continued expansion of Stronghold’s Ambassador Program to the launch of the 2026 Pop-Up Pantry series.

Q1 impact at a glance

During the first quarter of 2026, Stronghold supported more than 1,300 military-connected individuals through pantry services and community-based support.

This quarter, Stronghold:

• Supported 1,362 individuals

• Served 119 individuals monthly at Fort Leavenworth

• Distributed 37,537 pounds of food

• Grew the Ambassador Program by 62%

Behind each number is a family, a story, and a moment of need. Every pound of food distributed represents Stronghold’s commitment to providing support that is thoughtful, compassionate, and tailored to the families being served.

Serving with purpose at MCRD Parris Island

Stronghold officially launched its 2026 Pop-Up Pantry series at MCRD Parris Island, providing more than 200 military-connected individuals with a full week’s worth of fresh, thoughtfully curated groceries.

Each Pop-Up Pantry is designed to meet families where they are. That means providing groceries while also considering dietary needs, cultural preferences, and the dignity every family deserves.

Coordinating thousands of pounds of food is no small task, but Stronghold’s mission has never been built on doing what is easy. It is built on doing what is right.

The success of the Parris Island Pop-Up was made possible by ambassadors, volunteers and supporters who showed up with commitment, care and heart to serve their community.

Growing the Ambassador Program

Stronghold’s Ambassador Program continues to expand across installations nationwide, helping military families access support in the communities where they live and serve.

Ambassadors help bring Stronghold’s mission into military communities by identifying needs, building relationships, and supporting families with compassion. As the program grows, so does Stronghold’s ability to respond quickly and thoughtfully to families across the country.

This growth is about more than reach. It is about trust, ownership, and a shared belief that no military family should feel forgotten or alone.

Partnership in action with Wounded Warrior Project

Stronghold is also proud to stand alongside Wounded Warrior Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to the total well-being of post-9/11 warriors and their families.

Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs and services focused on mental health, peer connection, caregiver support, financial wellness and transition assistance for those who qualify. Active-duty service members and eligible military families are encouraged to learn more and register for support.

When last fall’s government shutdown placed military families under increased financial pressure, Wounded Warrior Project helped fuel Stronghold’s response. Emergency funding helped Stronghold deliver more than 52,000 meals to 2,500 military families across 40 locations.

That is what prevention looks like in practice: acting early, responding quickly and trusting the organizations closest to the families who need support most.

Honoring military children through the Hunger Buster Art Program

April marks Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the courage, flexibility and heart of military kids.

Military children move, adapt, make new friends, and support their families through every chapter of military life. Their stories are an important part of the military community.

Through Stronghold’s Hunger Buster Art Program, children of all ages are invited to submit artwork for a chance to be featured on Hunger Buster Packs. These packs provide easy-to-prepare, nutritious meals to help families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch to ensure their children have food support when school is out.

Looking ahead

As Stronghold moves further into 2026, the focus remains on expanding access, strengthening the Ambassador network, and responding to the evolving needs of military families.

Upcoming Pop-Up Pantries are planned for Fort Riley, Joint Base Charleston and Norfolk, continuing Stronghold’s commitment to reaching families wherever they are.

Stronghold may have started with one person, one garage and one mission, but it has grown into a movement shaped by many. Volunteers, ambassadors, partners and supporters all play a role in ensuring military families are supported, seen and never alone.

There is a place for you in this work.

To support Stronghold’s mission, consider donating, shopping the online store, becoming an Ambassador or helping launch a Pop-Up Pantry in your community.