On November 11th, 2025, the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans and their families, launched its 'CVN Gives Back' initiative to combat food insecurity affecting military families. This initiative coincides with Veterans Day and aims to provide timely aid as the holidays approach. CVN has pledged $22,000 to local food banks serving the 22 communities that host Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics. Each food bank will be granted $1,000 to further enhance their efforts in helping military families, veterans, and their surrounding communities during a time of heightened need.
The urgency of this initiative is exacerbated by the ongoing challenges many families face due to the government shutdown, which has dramatically increased the demand for food assistance. According to a survey conducted by the Military Family Advisory Network, a staggering 27.7% of active military families reported experiencing food insecurity in 2023, a significant increase from 23.3% just two years prior. The survey highlights that 40.1% of respondents, who indicated poor family well-being, were facing low or very low food security, underscoring the critical nature of support required at this time.
Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of CVN, emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity: "In every community we serve, there are military families working hard to make ends meet. Through our support of local food banks, we're helping to ease that burden of food insecurity, which impacts far too many military families. This initiative reflects our commitment to standing by military families, ensuring they have the necessary resources to meet their essential needs."
This donation initiative exemplifies CVN's comprehensive approach to care, which acknowledges the impact of social determinants of health, including food security, housing stability, employment, and education, on overall well-being. The organization’s 22 Cohen Clinics not only provide targeted mental health services but also offer holistic case management support to help clients navigate various challenges and connect with vital resources.
Since its establishment in 2016, CVN has served over 90,000 clients and delivered more than 830,000 clinical sessions, addressing a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, military transition challenges, PTSD, grief, and relationship problems. Care is accessible at their 22 clinics located across 20 states, as well as via CVN Telehealth, which allows for face-to-face video therapy sessions, ensuring that help is available even in challenging circumstances.
Cohen Veterans Network’s commitment to advocating for military families extends beyond immediate support, focusing on long-term solutions to improve mental health outcomes and enhance community well-being. With the generous contributions to food banks, CVN clearly demonstrates its dedication to supporting military families during times of crisis, working to alleviate food insecurity that can create additional stress amid their already demanding and often tumultuous lives.
Learn more about the Cohen Veterans Network and its initiatives to support veterans and families at their official website:
cohenveteransnetwork.org.
In conclusion, the CVN initiative provides essential aid to families in need while highlighting the organization's broader commitment to fostering healthy communities. As the holiday season approaches, the need for collaboration and support for military families remains paramount, and CVN's efforts serve as a vital reminder of the importance of community involvement and engagement in addressing such critical issues.