COMMISSARY BAG FEES STARTED APRIL 6: WHAT YOU’LL PAY AND HOW TO SAVE

Nationwide, stores have begun charging for plastic/paper bags, or they do not supply bags unless you pay for reusable bags. For quite a bit of time, the exception, even in the states that do this, was the commissary. That ended April 6th for the rest of the country.

Now commissary bag fees are officially rolling out at military grocery stores, and it’s a change that’s already getting a lot of attention from shoppers. However, it is important to note that this new policy does not apply to commissaries in California, Washington, Hawaii, and Guam.

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has begun charging customers for single-use paper and plastic bags, marking a shift from what many military families have been used to for years.

While baggers and tipping aren’t going away, the expectation around bags themselves is changing noticeably.

What Are the New Commissary Bag Fees?

Under the new policy, shoppers will now pay for each single-use bag at checkout. DeCA has instituted a flat, universal fee system-wide:

• Paper bags: exactly $0.10 each
• Plastic bags: exactly $0.05 each
• Reusable bags: available for purchase in-store

Note: The standard 5% commissary surcharge applies to the purchase of these single-use bags at checkout.

The traditional bagger system is still in place, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Customers can still tip baggers, but those baggers may now be using store-purchased bags instead of the ones provided free of charge – unless you bring your own.

Additionally, these fees apply to curbside pickup and delivery orders through the Commissary CLICK2GO program; shoppers will be automatically charged for the bags used to pack their groceries.

Why Is This Change Happening?

This initiative is part of a large number of commissary changes. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce waste by:

• Cutting down on plastic and paper waste
• Reducing operating costs across commissaries
• Aligning with environmental initiatives already common off-base

How Shoppers Are Reacting

Feedback from the community has been mixed, and in some cases, pretty strong.

In one Reddit thread, frequent commissary shoppers shared their thoughts:

“So now we’re expected to tip AND pay for bags?”

“Honestly, I already bring reusable bags—this doesn’t change much for me.”

“Feels like just another cost being passed down to service members.”

“Not a big deal… but they better not raise prices too.”

What This Means for Your Budget

The cost of a bag might not seem like much, but over time, especially for larger families or frequent shoppers, those small charges can add up.

Here’s a realistic way of thinking about it: Using 5–10 bags per trip could add $0.50–$1.00 each visit, and many families living on a military installation frequent the commissary multiple times a week. 10 trips per month, with 10 bags per visit, becomes a noticeable amount of money spent on bags each month.

That’s why many families are already adjusting their habits to stay ahead of the change and continue saving money by shopping at the commissary.

How to Avoid Paying Commissary Bag Fees

So, how can you avoid paying the bag fees? Here are some practical tips to help you save money on commissary trips:

• Bring Your Own Bags: Reusable bags completely eliminate the need to pay per bag. Keep a few in your front passenger seat, or next to your child, so you don’t forget to grab them on your way into the store.
• Use Boxes Instead: Many commissaries still have empty cardboard boxes lying around from when shipments arrive, especially in the produce or bulk section. If you’re unsure if you can use them, ask an associate, but more often than not, the store is happy to give them away.
• Skip Using Bags Altogether for Your Small Commissary Trips: If you’re grabbing just a few items, carrying them out or placing them back in your cart can help you avoid unnecessary charges. Have kids? Make it a game: whoever helps carry a bag, gets a prize!
• Combine Trips: Fewer shopping trips or grocery delivery may mean fewer bags used overall, helping reduce costs over time – both on bags and unnecessary items you pick up the more you go.

Commissary Bag Fees for Military Families: Small Changes With Big Impacts

Commissary bag fees might seem small, but like most things, they add up if you’re not paying attention. The good news is this is an easy win. Bringing your own bags or switching up how you shop can keep those extra costs from creeping into your budget.

Looking for more information about the change? DeCA has an entire page of information about the commissary bag fees.

Suggested reads:

• The 2026 Military Housing Rulebook Every Tenant Should Read
• What Every Airman Must Know About the Air Force's 2026 Shaving Rules
• Commissary Delivery Services Now Available at 70 Locations Nationwide