ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. – The Arnold Air Force Base Commissary and other military commissaries across the country will begin April 6 charging for each single-use paper or plastic bag. The cost for each plastic bag is 5 cents, while the price for each paper bag is 10 cents. “A small change now applies to paper and plastic bags in U.S. locations,” said Arnold AFB Commissary Store Director Casey Cooper. “We appreciate your understanding. This will not impact your shopping experience, and Team Arnold is here to support you.” According to a Military Times article published March 18, providing single-use bags costs the Defense Commissary Agency, a Department of War-funded organization which operates a worldwide chain of commissaries, $17 million a year. “This change will allow the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to continue to offer its eligible patrons significant savings while strengthening its fiscal stewardship and reducing operating expenses,” DeCA stated in a release announcing the change. The change applies to both in-store shopping and the Commissary CLICK2GO service, the DeCA online order and curbside pickup service. Patrons submitting CLICK2GO orders will be given the option to purchase bags when checking out. Bags used for CLICK2GO orders will be included in each customer’s total, and the number of bags used will appear on the receipt when a customer receives their order. “Our team carefully packs orders to use only the bags necessary while ensuring your items are protected,” an FAQ issued by DeCA states. Commissary self-checkout lanes will prompt customers for the number of bags used at the end of their order. To circumvent the new charge, DeCA is encouraging customers to bring their own bags from home or purchase reusable bags either in-store or via CLICK2GO. “Bringing your own reusable bag is the best way to avoid purchasing single-use bags,” the DeCA FAQ states. “Simply present your bags at the start of your in-store checkout or in the notes section at the conclusion of your Commissary CLICK2GO order.” Those with their own bags should notify a commissary employee prior to checkout or include such information in the notes section at the conclusion of a CLICK2GO order. Cooper said signage is in place at the Arnold AFB Commissary to alert customers to the upcoming change. For more information, visit https://shop.commissaries.com/bags. **About DeCA:**The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.