Military installations provide numerous conveniences to members living on-base. Food options are aplenty at most military bases, ranging from the military’s dining facilities to the outlets available at the base’s exchange. Many base exchanges house multiple fast-food outlets like McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, and more. If you’re living in an on-base military accommodation, you’re unlikely to feel like you’re missing out on your favorite fast-food outlets. If you wake up early morning and want a coffee, you can head down to the exchange and grab your favorite caffeinated drink from Starbucks.
The Army and Air Force Exchange manages the contracts for these outlets to open on military bases. In 2019, the Army and Air Force Exchange signed contracts with Panda Express, the famous Chinese food outlet, and Muscle Maker Grill to bring them to military bases all across the United States.
Food for a Cause
The Randolph Sheppard Act of 1936 is a federal law that mandates the priority of a blind person operating vending machines on federal property. Since all military bases fall under the umbrella of federal property, they often have blind people operating vending machines located throughout the installation.
The Department of Defense handles the contracts provided to blind persons for operating these machines on federal property. Many blind food service providers have massive contracts for military dining.
Similarly, in 1938 the Wagner-O’Day Act established a program designed to increase employment opportunities and self-support for blind people. The program allows blind people to manufacture and sell food provisions and goods to the federal government. In 1971, the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) amendment ensured that the program also supported individuals with severe disabilities. The reformed act also created the opportunity for services to be provided along with goods. The JWOD act also established the Committee for Purchase, which administers the entire program. The law also requires the Committee for Purchase to designate one or more national agencies to facilitate nationwide distribution among licensed local non-profit agencies.
There are numerous military dining contracts under the JWOD Act and the Randolph Sheppard Act. In 2006, the Department of Defense had 39 Randolph-Sheppard contracts and 53 JWOD Act contracts for varying levels of food services.
Dining Options at the Randolph AFB
The Randolph AFB is home to several world-class dining options. Sodexo opened the new and expanded Wingman Café at Randolph AFB in 2016. The base’s exchange also has staple fast-food outlets like Burger King, Starbucks, Subway, and Taco Bell. Providers under the JWOD and Randolph-Sheppard Act also cover many dining options available at Randolph AFB dining facilities. The base features four dining facilities.
Making Your Way to Randolph AFB
Most military members choose to stay on-base due to the convenience and amenities. However, if you’ve already experienced living in military lodgings, you can seek alternatives elsewhere.
Freedom TDY Crashpad provides affordable military lodging near Randolph. We’re a crash pad rental offering reliability and comfort to customers. We aim to make your stay a hassle-free and memorable experience. Contact us today to find out how we can accommodate you.
