Oct. 13 is the 242nd anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy by the Continental Congress in 1775.

The Defense Commissary Agency is rolling out acceptance of the MILITARY STAR card in all its stores to offer greater convenience to service members and their families and further strengthen funding of critical military quality-of-life programs, said Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart Allison, DeCA senior enlisted advisor.

Energy-saving products are available in commissaries at extra savings during October in partnership with DOD’s observance of National Energy Action Month.

General Mills is voluntarily recalling specific Cascadian Farm Organic Cinnamon Raisin Granola product due to the presence of almonds, an undeclared nut allergen, according to a recall notice from the Defense Commissary Agency’s food safety office sent Oct. 10.

After a previous recall of Philadelphia Cream Cheese products due to possible tampering, Kraft Heinz Company conducted an internal investigation that revealed the suspected tampering is limited to the Philadelphia Soft Cream Cheese tubs from a specific production facility, according to a Departme

When your kitchen contains the necessary tools for cooking, it’s easier, faster, and less frustrating to get meals on the table and enjoy cooking.

The Defense Department’s Hazardous Food and Nonprescription Drug Recall System has announced a recall of Philadelphia Cream Cheese due to possible tampering, according to a DOD All Food and Drug Activity message sent Oct. 6.

Playtex, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling children’s Playtex Plates and Bowls with printed graphics because they may present a choking hazard, according to a recall notice from the Defense Commissary Agency’s food safety office sent Oct. 5.

Fuji apples grown by Royal Chinook Orchards are being recalled because they tested above the established tolerance levels for Thiabendazole (TBZ), a pesticide used to control fruit diseases, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Oct. 4.

Pinnacle Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Birds Eye Baby Sweet Peas after testing indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the retail environment, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Sept. 30.

Belmont Sausage Co. is voluntarily recalling its smoked turkey drumstick products due to an undeclared allergen as a result of mislabeling according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Oct. 1.

Commissary patrons and employees donated over 1.5 million pounds of food and personal hygiene items for local food banks and pantries.

Twenty-six years ago on Oct. 1, the Defense Commissary Agency took control of armed forces commissaries, worldwide.

Note: For photos related to this release, visit our Flickr page.

October marks the unofficial start of the holiday season for commissary customers who reap the benefits of Halloween and Thanksgiving promotions, giveaways and more.