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# Top Snack Suggestions for On-the-Go During a PCS Move
When undergoing a PCS move, it’s easy to succumb to the convenience of fast food and junk food snacks. I’ve been there! But the more we choose foods that provide essential nutrients and support our energy levels, the better we will feel and the more energy and resilience we will have to tackle the challenges that come with relocation. We have PCSed three times in the past four years and I’ve picked up a few tricks when it comes to finding nutrient-dense options on the go – so keep scrolling and bookmark or screenshot these ideas as you prepare to pack for your next air or road trip!
#### Nutrient-Dense Snacks to Pack for the Road (or Air):
!
* Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Stock up on portable options such as apples, bananas, grapes, baby carrots, snow peas, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Pre-chop as needed for easy snacking! Add a single serve hummus cup for some healthy fat. *If you’re PCSing to/from Hawaii or internationally though, be sure to check local regulations about fruit/produce you can bring – or be sure to finish it on your flight!*
* Nut Butter Packs: Individual servings of almond, peanut, or other nut butter can be paired with whole-grain crackers or fruit for a satisfying and protein-packed snack.
* Greek Yogurt: Look for single-serve containers of Greek yogurt, which are rich in calcium and have higher protein content than regular yogurt. Add some fresh berries or a drizzle of honey or jam for extra flavor. Lots of coffee shops have free honey packs if you want a travel-friendly size!
* Trail Mix: Prepare your own trail mix using a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate chips. This nutrient-dense snack is easy to portion and provides a balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.
* Energy Bars: Opt for bars that are low in added sugars and high in fiber and protein. Look for options with whole ingredients, like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. You can also make protein balls ahead of time if you have your own protein powder! I aim to make a batch before our household goods are packed and then bring them with me on the road.
#### Gas Station Picks:
While gas stations may not be the first place you think of for healthy foods, there are still some options that can be surprisingly nutritious. Here are some of the snacks I grabbed during our last PCS road trip:
* Fresh fruit: Many gas stations these days have a bowl of bananas and apples available, which are great fiber-filled options with natural sweetness!
* Nuts, Trail Mix, Seeds, and Protein Bars: These options can add great protein and healthy fat to your diet while on the road. Look for options with no added sugars and simple ingredients (purely nuts, seeds, and dried fruit). Eat in moderation though, nuts and seeds are calorie dense and high in fat, so it’s easy to over do it when you’re mindlessly snacking. Try grabbing a handful and then putting the bag away and moving to another snack after.
* Hard-Boiled Eggs: Some gas stations have hard-boiled eggs available for purchase – the same ones I’ve found in grocery stores! They are a good source of protein and can be paired with whole-grain crackers, slices of cheese and deli meat, or a piece of fruit.
* Yogurt Parfaits: Some gas stations and airport food stands offer yogurt parfaits with granola and fruit toppings. While some contain some added sugars, they can still provide a healthier alternative to other options. You can often also find yogurt cups if there are no parfaits available. If you’re driving, I grab single serving Greek yogurt cups at grocery store for higher protein content and no sugar added.
#### Meet Casie
Casie is a Space Force spouse, mother, published author and wellness advocate. She and her husband have been stationed in six states during assignments with the Space Force, Air Force, Navy, and Army over the last ten-plus years of their marriage. As a lifelong athlete with a degree in International Health and Development, she is passionate about all things relating to personal wellness and thrives when she is active, connected to her community, and serving others. You can connect with her and find more wellness education and resources on her Instagram:  or on .
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# The FREE Overseas Food Pantry Resource for Military Families
Military spouses know more than most about moving…whether we want to or not. Each permanent change of station (PCS) brings unique challenges, especially when we find ourselves moving outside the continental United States (OCONUS). In addition to the practical and emotional concerns (how will I get my beloved puppy there? How will I meet new friends? The list goes on and on!), there is also an **undeniable** financial burden that comes with PCSing abroad. For example, spousal employment can be difficult to find, there are significant expenses such as buying new cars, and we lose much of our existing social network. Given these factors, many service members and their families could use extra resources to face these challenges.
*Fortunately*, food pantries have been created to help meet those needs on many overseas bases: 6 in Japan, 1 in Germany, and 1 in South Korea. The resources the pantries offer, including dry goods, fresh produce, cleaning supplies, and information about other financial resources, can be critical, especially during those chaotic early days in a new country. Food pantries can help guests restock their own pantries, provide additional support while they await reimbursements, or create leeway in the budget to cover the numerous other expenses associated with moving.
Back home, we have a social network to fall back on, surrounded by family, old friends, or trusted neighbors. When we move abroad, it can feel like we have lost our community. This is where the food pantries come in: **to help fill the gaps and form a sense of community.** Food pantries create an environment where we can both receive and offer additional support at a vulnerable, challenging time when we need it the most. **Something amazing happens when we show up for each other** – whether that takes the form of being courageous enough to seek help, sharing information about these resources with others, or volunteering our time to one another.
Read on to learn about one of the newest pantries, Neighborhood Pantry in Okinawa, Japan, or skip to the “Learn More” section below to find a pantry near you.
#### Neighborhood Pantry: About Us & How To Use This Resource
The Neighborhood Pantry is a non-profit organization that offers no-cost food assistance to service members and their families across Okinawa. Since opening in November 2023, the Pantry has given out over 20,000 pounds of food, serving hundreds of active-duty service members and their families across all branches, ranks, and family sizes.
**Eligibility:** The Pantry is open to all ranks and all branches. All you need is your military ID! Guests are welcome to visit the pantry once per pay period, or approximately twice a month.
There are a few ways to take advantage of this great resource, depending on what location, time, and format is most convenient for you!
| **Location** | **Hours** | **Selections** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Camp Foster***Camp Foster Chapel Center**Building 445, Room 103* | Tuesdays, 6-8 pmThursdays, 8-11 amSaturdays, 9-11 am | Guests can pick from perishable and non-perishable groceries according to their family size |
| **Camp Kinser***CLR-37 DRC Office**Building 107, Room 136* | Monday-Thursday, 9 am – 1pm | Pre-packed grab-and-go bags containing non-perishable groceries |
| **Camps Courtney & McTureous***Pool Parking Lot* | Select Saturdays, 9-11 am | Pre-packed grab-and-go bags containing non-perishable groceries \*Please note registration is required! Check our Facebook page to register ahead of the event. |
Be sure to visit the to learn Mobile Pantry dates and about one-off events, such as the Typhoon Prep Bag Giveaway held on Camps Foster, Courtney, and Kinser in July 2024.
#### Volunteer & Donation Opportunities
As the Neighborhood Pantry is run by volunteers, there is plenty of opportunity to get involved if that’s your thing! Volunteer opportunities include:
* **Open Shop** – you will welcome families as they arrive, answer questions, help with selecting items, and keep our shop clean and ready. Please keep in mind volunteers will need to sign a confidentiality statement and waiver to ensure anonymity for guests
* **Sidewalk Sales** – you can sign up to help pack bags before the event or to table during the event, sharing information about the Pantry and selling bags to customers at the commissary
* **Mobile Pantry** – you will set up pickup location and distribute pre-packed bags to those who pre-register for the event
You can check out available volunteer opportunities .
Don’t have time to volunteer but still want to help out? You can bring donations to the Camp Foster Chapel Center during Neighborhood Pantry hours. Accepted donations include unopened and unexpired dry goods or opened but unexpired cleaning products.
#### Learn More
* Questions? Find us on  or email us at 
* Sign up to volunteer with us 
  + Japan
    -  (Okinawa)
  + South Korea
  + Germany
#### Meet Sarah
Sarah has been a military spouse for just over 2 years and currently lives in Okinawa, Japan with her Marine Corps husband. She loves to snorkel, jog, read, bake, and get involved in her new and ever-changing community through organizations like Stroller Warriors, Neighborhood Pantry, and Okinawa Leadership Seminar.
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