Festive meals: Good times, good food go together for winter holidays

FORT LEE, Va. – Good times and good food go together. To help make the winter holidays cheery and bright in spite of the pandemic, the Defense Commissary Agency is going all out to make cooking meals at home easier and delicious.

“People are spending more time at home this season, increasing the emphasis on preparing good food by ourselves,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “The features and recipes on www.commissaries.com, along with the promotions we have going on in our stores, go a long way to help us all create memorable times during the holidays.”

During this pandemic, commissaries continue following the strictest DOD COVID-prevention policies which include face coverings for employees and customers, social distancing and sanitized sales areas.

In addition to being a safe place to shop, commissaries offer a full food product lineup from fresh meats, fruits and vegetables to canned, frozen and chilled items, all at average annual savings of nearly 24 percent.

Ham is a traditional favorite for many this time of year and commissaries offer several varieties of hams to suit any tastes, along with a wide assortment of other meats. Those looking for value can avail themselves of 39-cent per pound frozen turkeys thanks to a special that runs through Dec. 31 while quantities last. 

Everywhere customers look in their commissary, they’ll find seasonal items perfect for any holiday occasion. Those who want to go the way of the warrior in the kitchen can select the fresh fruit of their choice and make and bake their own fresh pies; while those who prefer convenience can get theirs from the frozen section of the store and just pop it in the oven. The holiday-themed goods and services of in-store deli-bakeries at most commissaries are also a welcome option.

“Our stores have what our customers need, however a check of the services and information our website provides can give the inspiration and know-how to make even more of their commissary benefit,” Saucedo said.

Here’s a quick rundown on how www.commissaries.com can help:

• Find out what’s on sale. Go to the Reward and Savings section to get the Sales Flyer that gives prices on sale products along with other useful information about food and commissary services.

• Save money with the Commissary Rewards Card, your source for coupons.

• Use our Recipes to expand your food options with a wide variety of selections from appetizers and desserts to main courses and salads. They’re even divided into special categories, such as 20-Minute Meal, Dietitian-Approved, Holiday and Kid Friendly.

“I love this time of year, and yet, I know how challenging it can be especially for our young service members at duty stations distant from family and friends,” Saucedo said. “The commissary benefit has helped me and my family through the years, and I encourage every patron to make the most of their benefit, too, especially during this time of year when good times and good food combine for memorable occasions.”

-DeCA-

PHOTO CAPTION: A Christmas display at the Fort Lee, Virginia, Commissary. (DeCA photo: Kevin Robinson)

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.