US Soldiers in Germany Directed to Use Food Banks

The US Army Garrison Bavaria issued guidance directing approximately 36,000 to 37,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany to seek assistance from German food banks and emergency social services. The command recommended organizations such as Tafel Deutschland, Foodsharing e.V., and the Too Good To Go app, though some references were later removed from the garrison website.

This directive follows the longest government shutdown on record. While a $130 million private donation and emergency funds covered salaries for October, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that payments for November 15 are unlikely to occur unless the budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans is resolved. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the private donation that provided temporary relief.

To stabilize operations, the German government provided a €43 million loan to cover salaries for 11,000 to 12,000 local civilian employees at US military facilities, a sum the United States must repay. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed optimism that a budget agreement would end the shutdown.