As the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week with no resolution in sight, airports across the United States have begun transforming parts of their facilities into makeshift food banks to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and other federal employees who continue working without pay, according to The Sun. The shutdown began in early October after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a spending bill. It has left thousands of essential federal workers in financial limbo.
TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and border patrol officers are required to maintain their posts despite not receiving paychecks, leading to increased call-outs and raising concerns about air travel safety nationwide. In response, airport authorities from Nevada to California have launched donation drives to collect food, toiletries, and other necessities to support these workers amid the financial strain.
Airports Rally To Support Federal Workers
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas initiated a donation drive on Thursday, collecting food, toiletries, baby products, and pet food for federal employees. Luke Nimmo, the public information officer for the Clark County Department of Aviation, explained to local media that they received donations throughout the weekend and opened their pantry on Monday morning.
“We’re accepting gift cards for retail, for gas, for grocery stores, baby supplies, all the things that they need to help get them by during this government shutdown,” Nimmo told CBS affiliate KSNV. Similar initiatives are emerging at airports nationwide.
At Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Neal Gosman, an officer for AFGE Local 899 representing TSA employees, indicated that food banks are returning to support workers. “Some of the older folks say, ‘we’re going to tough this out.’ Some of the younger folks say ‘I have student loans to pay,'” Gosman noted to CBS News when describing the varied impact on workers.
During the 2019 shutdown, he recalled that “a food bank was set up for TSA employees that were running out of food, money, and gas cards were handed out.”
