Courtesy PhotoIf a furlough occurs and the Commissary closes one day out of the week, a good plan would be to schedule shopping requirements.
If a federal employee furlough is implemented, the Fort Irwin Commissary may have to close once a week.
Currently, the store is open seven days a week and the leadership understands the potential impact to our shoppers if required to close. Surviving a possible furlough closure of the Commissary once a week is achievable by planning ahead. TIPS will help you get through this possible requirement.
Talk with your spouse to ensure you have a plan for groceries. Depending on the day the Commissary will close could impact your routine and might be further affected if it’s a pay day.
Stay Informed. We will publish up to date information as we receive changes. This information can be found at Fort Irwin’s Web site, Facebook, Twitter, and radio.
Plan your activities knowing when the Commissary is closed. If you are planning a big event, getting away for a weekend, or your Soldier is heading to the field, make sure you plan to buy the appropriate items from the Commissary if your return is closely associated with the day the Commissary is closed.
Finally, appropriately Stock your cabinets, especially if you have smaller children. United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Kurt Pinkerton stated that while the potential closure once a week is a slight inconvenience, it is survivable.
Most Commissary items can be found within the Exchange facilities. You can purchase some fresh fruit, bread, milk, and snacks at the 24-hour Shoppette, and the main Exchange carries all toiletries, baby formula, and diapers, to mention a few items.
To mitigate the effects of a possible closure, the Commissary, Garrison, the Center Chapel and the Exchange have created an arrangement that could help in an emergency situation.
The Exchange has agreed to accept food certificates from the Center Chapel when the Commissary is closed, during a possible furlough period. The Chapel operates a food certificate program for emergency situations on a case-by-case basis. Currently, food certificates can be redeemed at the Commissary only. Eligibility for food certificates is determined by the Chapel; to inquire about the food certificate program call 380-3562.
Pinkerton explained that this type of support is intended for Families with children and babies, who might need formula, diapers or other items that are normally obtainable in the Commissary through purchase or by use of WIC entitlements, which cannot be used at the Exchange facilities.
“The good news is the Exchange would not be affected by a possible furlough,” Pinkerton said. “There will be normal operations throughout the Exchange facilities.”