Blue Star Families Puget Sound describes local programs to connect military families and address food insecurity
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Summary
Megan Barnes, executive director of Blue Star Families' Puget Sound chapter, described local programs—Coffee Connects, JBLM book clubs, outdoor cohorts, Welcome Week, career services and grocery gift‑card distributions—aimed at helping military families, and said the chapter is working to expand outposts beyond the South Sound.
Megan Barnes, executive director of the Puget Sound chapter of Blue Star Families, briefed the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs about local programs that connect military families and provide practical supports.
Blue Star Families is a national nonprofit that supports military‑connected families, caregivers and veterans; the Puget Sound chapter launched in August 2023. Barnes said the chapter runs weekly and monthly programs aimed at easing transitions and building community: Coffee Connects (monthly meetups at Starbucks and other locations), book clubs at Joint Base Lewis‑McChord for military children, outdoor cohorts supported by National Park Service and REI funding, career workshops for transitioning service members and spouses, and an online Blue Star Neighborhood platform for families to find local events and resources.
Barnes said the chapter ran more than 70 events across the South Sound in 2024 and noted a recent Issaquah Coffee Connect drew over 20 attendees. She described Blue Star Welcome Week in September—events to welcome families who permanently change station (PCS) over the summer—including a picnic at Chambers Bay, story sessions, a speed‑friending event and outdoor activities.
On food security, Barnes said the chapter is working with partners including the Lacey Veterans Service Hub, the Cohen Clinic and the Armed Services YMCA. She said staff are distributing grocery gift cards through partner donations and that local food‑security partners reported increased demand from military families. Barnes said the Puget Sound chapter is exploring expansion via outposts and partnerships (for example, with the Cohen Clinic) to reach installations beyond the South Sound, such as Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane.
Committee members asked about food insecurity and expansion; Barnes described short‑term grocery assistance and longer‑term plans to build outposts in other regions as resources and partnerships allow.
