Closing Fort Leavenworth Dining Facility hurts soldiers, families and staff | Opinion

I am an Army spouse of nearly 20 years stationed with my husband at Fort Leavenworth. While I have maintained my own professional career over the years, I have remained a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the military community. I am deeply concerned about the implications of the rash decision to close the Fort Leavenworth Dining Facility or DFAC, the only dining facility here at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my opinion and concerns on this matter. The installation announced last Friday on social media that the dining hall will close on Dec. 31 after months of rumors and speculation. No explanation was given for the closure, and comments on the posts were turned off. Community speculation and discussion among the other military officers stationed here suggest the closure is a cost-saving measure. When it was built, the facility was designed to serve a larger capacity than was present on the installation. Since the drawdown from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the population here has decreased rather than increased, as the builders planned. The dining facility is now speculated to operate at a loss. A military installation’s dining hall is not intended to be a money-making endeavor. It is a key part of the institution’s infrastructure, intended to feed young, enlisted soldiers. It’s meant to provide them with affordable dining options near their barracks, offering nutritious meals three times a day. The dining facility operates rain, snow and sunshine. It remains a steadfast presence for soldiers and the community. I submitted the following letter to the installation command, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with you as well: Dear installation leadership,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding the unexpected, short-notice closure of the installation dining facility, known as the DFAC. As the only DFAC at Fort Leavenworth, this decision has an immediate and significant impact on soldiers, families and staff across the post.

The DFAC is not simply another food service option. It is a mission-essential facility. It provides soldiers with consistent access to healthy, low-cost meals in a location that is accessible and aligned with their demanding schedules. With its closure, many soldiers are now left without a reliable option that meets their nutritional, financial and logistical needs. Families who rely on the DFAC for affordable meal options also face unnecessary hardship.

This decision raises fundamental questions about how soldiers are expected to meet their most basic needs. Where are soldiers supposed to eat on holidays? How are they to access meals off post when many do not have personal vehicles? What about soldiers who lack a stove or adequate cooking equipment in the barracks? Are they now expected to rely on fast food or fend for themselves without support? As leaders, you set the conditions for our soldiers’ success, and access to healthy, accessible meals is foundational to their well-being, readiness and dare I say their lethality.

I am also deeply concerned by the extremely limited notice provided to both patrons and staff. Sudden operational changes of this magnitude create avoidable stress and disrupt the routines, well-being and morale of the community that depends on this vital service. DFACs do not exist to generate profit. They exist to feed soldiers and meet the needs of our military community. Closing the only DFAC on the installation without a clear, communicated plan undermines that fundamental purpose.

Given the seriousness of this issue, I respectfully request clarification on the installation’s plan moving forward. What solutions are being implemented to ensure soldiers have access to affordable, accessible and healthy meals every of the year, every meal of the day? Transparent information about interim options and long-term plans would be greatly appreciated by the community. Additionally, who will be responsible if soldiers are unable to access healthy meals and begin experiencing preventable consequences such as weight gain or other chronic conditions?

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I urge you to prioritize swift action and clear communication to support the welfare of soldiers, families and staff who rely on the DFAC. I am deeply troubled by this decision, and I insist the installation provide clear communication on alternative plans.

Meghan Wieten-Scott is a military family advocate, a partnership and events professional and a military spouse of almost 20 years.