ST. PAUL, Minn., March 19 (UPI) -- The flying public is helping to supply basic needs for struggling federal security screeners working without pay by donating to airport-based food pantries as the partial government shutdown drags on, local officials say.
Airport authorities have established food shelves and other kinds of charitable programs in at least 11 U.S. cities as TSA workers missed their first paychecks on Saturday because of the shutdown.
Airports contacted by UPI said activity was brisk at their food pantry sites over the last several days, with hundreds of unpaid federal workers seeking food and other supplies amid the debate in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA.
In Florida, more than 160 federal employees received food and other basic necessities during the first week of a food pantry operation at Orlando International Airport. Officials there sought more donations this week to answer the continuing need.
In Cleveland, airport leaders said their food shelf has been "well-utilized," as dozens of workers claimed essential items and gift cards that had been donated.
