Feeding the Force

While it is not exactly the same as being home, it is our job to
provide that taste of home to the troops.
- Army Col. Eric McCoy, director, DLA Troop Support Subsistence

Image courtesy of Department of Defense

Defending America's freedom means many service members are away from their families so DOD tries to provide a little taste of home at Thanksgiving. But it takes quite a bit to feed the force!

No matter where troops are stationed, the Defense Logistics Agency makes sure they can expect the best possible meal for Thanksgiving.

So exactly how much does it take to feed the force?

• 4,925 whole turkeys
• 66,741 pounds of roasted turkey
• 80,546 pounds of beef
• 43,648 pounds of ham
• 44,384 pounds of shrimp
• 27,605 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 39,797 pies
• 7,032 cakes
• 5,804 gallons of eggnog

The preparation for the troops' holiday meal starts as early as April. Many ingredients for the meals are on hand at prime vendor locations by September, and the overseas locations start receiving high-volume items, like the turkeys and more than 131 tons of trimmings, in October.

Published November 27, 2019