The USO Care Package Program provides essential items that support service members far from home
AKRON, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 29, 2026 / Military Energy Gum (MEG) from Ford Gum is proud to be included in USO Care Packages starting in 2026, continuing its mission to support the brave military service members stationed around the world. USO Care Packages are delivered to service members and include items specifically selected to support them in challenging times, such as during a deployment, disaster response, and in transit to remote locations. These packages are not just full of hard-to-find goodies - they ensure service members far from home feel remembered and supported in their most critical moments.
MEG, a caffeinated chewing gum with 100mg of caffeine per piece, was developed 20+ years ago as part of the Military Fatigue Relief Research Program as a trusted solution to help warfighters combat the effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue. After numerous clinical trials to validate its safety and effectiveness, MEG was recommended by the Committee on Military Nutrition Research (CMNR) in 2001. Since then, MEG has been distributed to troops around the world in millions of military rations. MEG is also available to athletes, law enforcement, first responders, and other civilians.
In addition to its longstanding relationship with the U.S. Military, MEG is also the first and only NSF Certified for Sport® gum product. Products earning Certified for Sport® certification are tested for 290+ athletic banned substances as well as potentially harmful levels of specific contaminants. The Certified for Sport® certification is the only independent third-party certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, and the Canadian Football League.
"We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with the USO for our MEG product," said Scott Lerner, CEO, Ford Gum. "Being a Marine Corps veteran, it means a lot that we are providing our service members with a high quality, effective product to help them in their everyday missions."
When chewed, MEG's unique formulation delivers caffeine to the body 4-5 times faster than a liquid or pill, and clinical studies have shown it to be effective in helping troops maintain reaction speed & alertness, reduce driver error, and maintain marksmanship vigilance.
Pouches of MEG will be included in USO Care Packages beginning in April 2026, and will be supplied to service members deployed across the globe year-round.
"We're excited to partner with Ford Gum to add this new product to our care packages," said Sarah Bostic, USO Care Package Program Manager. "The USO delivered 435,000 care packages in more than 100 countries last year, where they provided comfort, morale, and the reminder that people back home haven't forgotten the sacrifices being made in the most remote locations around the world."
Learn more about Military Energy Gum (MEG) and the USO Care Package Program.
About Ford Gum
Founded in 1913, Ford Gum is a top manufacturer and co-manufacturer of assorted gums, confections, and health-related products for leading American brands, including the iconic shredded bubblegum, Big League Chew. Follow Military Energy Gum on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About USO
The USO is the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been by the side of service members throughout their military service. Impactful support is provided through our 250+ locations around the world, a robust care package delivery program, entertainment, military spouse and youth programming, and much more, all made possible by donors, corporate partners, volunteers and staff. To learn more and support our critical mission around the globe, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact: Gum Email: militaryenergy@fordgum.com. Phone: (716) 542-4561
SOURCE: Ford Gum
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire