VA's Veterans Canteen Service

03/25/2026

03/16/2026

It's National Power Snack Week! A power snack is a nutrient-dense, small, and balanced bite like fruit and nuts, or hummus and raw vegetables, designed to provide a quick energy boost and sustain focus between meals. ​

What's your go-to power snack to give you an energy boost? Share your favorites in the comments below!​

and

03/13/2026

Happy National Popcorn Lovers Day! 🍿 What's your favorite whole grain? Let us know your favorite whole grain in the comments!

03/12/2026

Food Service Worker Erica in the Washington, D.C., Canteen works every day to deliver the VCS benefit.

“Her customer service skills are outstanding—she is always professional, helpful, and makes every interaction a positive experience,” said Accountant Rebecca. “She engages in friendly conversation every day, creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere.”

03/11/2026

Now through March 13, buy one Karma Water and get one free in the PatriotStore, PatriotCafe, PatriotBrew! Transform your wellness with Karma's probiotic and energy water, which is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, kosher, and made in the USA. Don't miss out on this offer!

03/03/2026

It's National Barista Day. Join us in thanking Carle H., who makes her customers' day. Carle, who is a barista at the Jefferson Barracks PatriotBrew in St. Louis, leaves inspiring messages on her customers' beverage cups to brighten their days. "Every day can feel the same," Carle said. "I look forward to making a difference in someone's day."

Grab a co-worker and head over to Patriot Brew and thank a VCS Barista today and enjoy 2 stamps on your rewards card!

03/02/2026

Giveaway alert!
Love trying new healthy recipes? You’re going to LOVE this! Comment your favorite healthy recipe for a chance to WIN a kitchen basket full of everything you need to make all the healthy dishes you like!

Don’t wait, Comment your favorite healthy recipe below now! 👇

Winner will be contacted directly. Giveaway ends 3/6.

02/26/2026

February is American Heart Month. The VCS team in Jackson, Miss., wore red to show their support for heart health.

Take care of your ticker with some of these helpful hacks:
• Small food swaps can make your meals and snacks healthier. Look for opportunities throughout the day to add more fruits and vegetables to your plate.
• Skip the salt; keep the flavor. Replace salt with flavorful spices and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
• Salt itself isn't always to blame! Most of the sodium in our diets comes from packaged and restaurant foods.

02/20/2026

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we honor the caregivers who give so much of themselves to support our Nation’s Veterans. Your compassion, dedication, and quiet strength do not go unnoticed.

02/12/2026

Food Service Worker Mary Pendelton’s swift response was instrumental in preventing potential harm to a Veteran in Louisville, KY.

During her routine duties, Mary, who has been with VCS for 10 years, found a handwritten note with a tea bag on top, sitting on a table in the PatriotCafé. The contents of the note suggested that whoever wrote it might be contemplating self-harm. She recognized the seriousness of the situation and immediately escalated the matter. VA Police were immediately notified, and after a quick review of security footage, they identified and located the individual. A welfare check was conducted, and the veteran received appropriate intervention and support services.

The Medical Center Director formally acknowledged Mary’s action and presented her with an award. After the incident, a training session was held for staff, emphasizing the importance of direct communication in su***de prevention.

02/12/2026

in 1919, the Harlem Hellfighters returned home. The 369th Infantry Regiment was a legendary U.S. Army unit in World War I, spending 191 days in combat, longer than any other American unit, without losing ground or having a Soldier captured.

Originally the 15th New York National Guard, they served under French command, earned 171 Croix de Guerre medals, and became the first Allied unit to reach the Rhine.

Nine Soldiers are shown in this photograph. Two of them, Leon Fraiter and Herbert Taylor, are buried at Long Island National Cemetery and Calverton National Cemetery.

Please pay tribute to Fraiter at https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/LEONEFRAITER/24473EC and Taylor at https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/HERBERTTAYLOR/FA6778E

02/06/2026

Are you ready for the big game? Game day excitement is in the air as our team in Jackson, MS, show off their favorite teams. Which team will you be rooting for this weekend? 🏈