Mercer Co. - The MilitaryShare (MS) program at the Mercer County Food bank is a mission of service fueled by gratitude. This special program, which started five years ago,  ensures military families and veterans have continual access to food.

"We have a lot of veterans in this area and active service military as well. Some of them struggle and we need to help them. It's a small gesture for everything they have done for us," Gary Rose, board treasurer for the food bank told 21 News. 

Throughout the year, volunteers prepare boxes that are filled with items like fresh produce, canned goods, and frozen meats to help 600 military individuals have balanced meals.

The MS program is led by Rose and Vietnam veteran and food bank volunteer Marc Paoletta. The two men, who grew up in Sharon together, dedicate their time serving those who served, by delivering meals directly to disabled vets who can't make it to the food bank.

As a recipient of Military Share food, Paoletta said he knows firsthand the need for food assistance among veterans.

"Everybody that is a veteran needs help [...] they are often hungry," Paoletta said. 

According to a study conducted by non-profit research organization, the RAND Foundation, 1.4 million U.S. military veterans struggle to get the food they need for a healthy life. But programs like MilitaryShare in Mercer County work to fill their plates.