Military Support

Monica Bassett, founder of Stronghold Food Pantry. (Credit: Courtesy of Stronghold Food Pantry) Monica Bassett is the daughter of a veteran and the wife of an active-duty soldier. As such, she knows firsthand the struggles military families face, including the hardship of food insecurity. In December 2022, Basset launched Stronghold Food Pantry to address the growing number of military families across the country who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from. Basset provides food, as well as other necessities and resources, to military families wherever and whenever needed – from her base of operations in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to food drives she’s partnered with across the country. Basset is proud to be breaking down stigmas around food insecurity among military communities through her work, by proliferating awareness, advocacy and collaboration. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? We go beyond traditional food pantry services by targeting the root causes of food insecurity through educational programs that are designed to empower individuals and families. We provide them with the tools and knowledge to prevent food insecurity in the future. This comprehensive approach sets Stronghold apart as a leader in the fight against hunger. Tell us about your biggest success so far. Every moment of this journey has been a success for me. I often remind myself that even the act of feeding one family can create a lasting ripple effect. Providing a meal to a naval family in San Diego, then receiving photos later of them sharing that same meal with four other young sailors, felt like a significant success. As did receiving a phone call from a military spouse, whom Stronghold supplied with monthly free diapers, who told us that the savings enabled her to budget for childcare – ultimately leading to her gaining employment and no longer needing food assistance. Recently, I had the honor of briefing Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces team at the White House on military food insecurity and Stronghold's path toward sustainable and actionable resources. This was not just a professional achievement, but a deeply personal one. However, my greatest success is knowing that my daughters look up to me and see a compassionate leader. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Financial – especially since many significant grants have strict requirements. To navigate those challenges, I've had to become scrappy – constantly seeking out funding opportunities and support while ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship of all donations. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions? I find myself running Stronghold through the lens of my younger self. The young Monica who saw her father, a Vietnam War veteran, endure a major accident that rendered him unable to provide for his family. I remember vividly the struggles my mother faced, and the weight of that stress, as she grappled with the uncertainty of how to provide for her family. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Never give up. Even when you are faced with countless rejections – if you believe in your product or service, keep pushing forward. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I draw inspiration from my community. We witness military spouses bravely giving birth to children alone while their partners are serving the nation. We see military children bid farewell to their best friends year after year, and spouses who have endured the loss of their closest friends in action. Amid every sacrifice, there emerges a profound sense of strength and inspiration. When I reflect on these memories, I am reminded of the purpose behind my mission. Each story of courage and perseverance within our community reinforces my resolve and fuels my passion for the work we do. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? Eminem's "Lose Yourself." This powerful anthem never fails to ignite my determination, reminding me to seize every opportunity, give my all and never hold back — because this movement isn't just about me, but rather, about all the families Stronghold supports. Who is your most important role model? My grandmother. She arrived in this country with nothing but a heart full of generosity and hope. Even when our refrigerator and pantry were sparse, she never hesitated to welcome anyone in need with open arms. Despite working long hours in the fields and cleaning office buildings, she never lost her infectious smile or her unwavering love and care for others — especially for me. Instagram: @StrongholdFoodPantryFacebook: @StrongholdFoodPantryLinkedIn: @StrongholdFoodPantry Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Military Support

She’s Feeding American Military Families in Need

These Military Moms Want Your Leftover Halloween Candy

The Story Exchange

Military Support

She’s Feeding American Military Families in Need

These Military Moms Want Your Leftover Halloween Candy

The Story Exchange

Follow