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Washington military families struggling to put food on the table

caption: More than 600 military families came to a food distribution event in Lakewood, Tacoma in June 2021.
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More than 600 military families came to a food distribution event in Lakewood, Tacoma in June 2021.
KUOW Photo/Ruby de Luna

A new national survey indicates that one in six military families is struggling to put food on the table. Washington state ranks among the top five states dealing with the highest frequency of food insecurity among military families.

“We’re seeing, often, people in a situation where they have to choose between paying for their food or paying for their house," said Shannon Razsadin who heads the Military Family Advisory Network.

The Military Family Advisory Network conducted the national survey.

RELATED: Washington among top states for food insecurity for military families

Razsadin says many families earn $25,000 to $75,000 a year and spend more than a third of their pay on housing.

Last month, the non-profit teamed up with local organizations to give out food in Tacoma, near Joint Base Lewis McChord.

The issue facing military families is one corner of a larger food insecurity issue that has grown over the past couple years. Read more below:

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