That’s five cents for plastic and ten cents for paper. Commissaries worldwide are now charging shoppers to have their fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, and other items bagged during checkout. The change has been difficult for some and barely noticeable for others. What is the purpose behind it, and what does the commissary hope to achieve?
When asked, Airmen and dependent shoppers at Minot AFB are split on whether this change is even a big deal or worth altering their shopping habits. Spouse Kaija Tilstra said in a Facebook post that it’s not a big deal, writing, “If you forget bags (like I did), plastic bags are 5 cents each. I will be moving some reusable bags to my trunk, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not the end of the world.” Others were quick to point out the potential environmental benefits. Chelsea Carter-Napoleon said, “We have become too reliant on convenience. With high winds and frozen mounds of snow for 4–5 months out of the year, I think it will drastically reduce litter and pollution.”
However, it wouldn’t be a debate without those who are strongly opposed. One Facebook user shared, “It’s just another infringement upon our earned benefits for the sake of profit. Assuming DeCA is claiming rising costs as the reason to start charging for bags… we already pay the same amount as downtown after the ‘surcharge,’ which often mirrors sales tax and is supposed to cover their expenses. A better idea would be to just increase the surcharge a point or two.”
Another shopper added that, “The lack of patrons might be a factor. The commissary used to be the place to shop for a lower grocery bill. It’s still a little lower, but not as much as it used to be. Most people are shopping off base, better deals and not much difference in price anymore. They shouldn’t charge for plastic bags. It’s going to drive more folks away.”
Keith Desbois, Public Affairs Specialist at the Defense Commissary Agency, addressed questions and confusion about the change. He explained candidly that it comes down to budget constraints. “The budget was reduced, and [adding prices to bags] allows us to refocus our spending while still offering significant savings throughout the store,” he said.
Desbois noted that it may take time for shoppers to adjust. In many overseas locations, commissaries have been bagless for years due to local regulations on single-use bags. Some CONUS locations also operate in areas where bringing reusable bags is already the norm. However, he acknowledged that places like Minot AFB, where this is less common, may see more resistance.
When asked what types of bags shoppers can bring to avoid the charge, Desbois said customers may bring any reusable bags. He also confirmed that shoppers can reuse previously purchased plastic or paper bags. “There’s nothing preventing people from doing that,” he said, “or even skipping bags altogether and carrying items out in their cart.”
Addressing confusion about the commissary surcharge, Desbois clarified its purpose: “A common misconception is that DeCA’s expenses for bags are included in our surcharge. The surcharge covers operational costs, not items. It helps fund store maintenance, construction, and modernization, whereas the bag charge only reflects the cost of the bags themselves.”
In the end, Desbois emphasized that the cost to shoppers is minimal, likely less than a dollar per trip, and can be avoided entirely. At this time, the commissary does not plan to increase bag prices and does not anticipate a significant loss of customers to off-base stores.
As with most changes, customers will likely adapt or choose to shop elsewhere. Ultimately, it’s up to each shopper to decide whether convenience is worth the added cost of a five-cent bag.
