Commissary

The Defense Commissary Agency, headquartered at Fort Lee, Va., operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items that are variably priced plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to commercial prices when shopping regularly at a commissary. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.