Major US Airports Urge Public to Donate Food, Gift Cards as TSA Staff Work Without Pay

Airports seek public support for dedicated TSA employees during government shutdown

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Major U.S. airports are appealing to the public for donations of food, gas, and grocery gift cards to support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who continue working without pay during the partial government shutdown. Airports like Denver, Seattle-Tacoma, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta have opened pantries and asked for donations to help TSA workers.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has disrupted airport operations nationwide, suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. With TSA workers going unpaid, airports are trying to rally public support and donations to assist their dedicated staff.

The details

Airports are asking the public to donate $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards, as well as non-perishable food, hygiene items, and diapers. The pantries and donation drives are intended to support TSA and Customs and Border Protection employees who are working without pay during the shutdown. Lawmakers have considered redirecting funds from other DHS programs to pay TSA workers, but funding disputes between Democrats and the White House have stalled a resolution.

  • The partial government shutdown reached its 24th day last week.
  • Last month, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned the shutdown endangered national security.

The players

Denver International Airport

A major U.S. airport that is appealing to the public for donations to support TSA employees.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

A major U.S. airport that has opened a food pantry for TSA and Customs and Border Protection staff.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

A major U.S. airport that has advised travelers to arrive 2-3 hours ahead of flights due to the shutdown's impact.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.)

Criticized the Trump administration over a TSA message blaming Democrats for staffing shortages that caused passengers to miss flights.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD)

Supported the idea of redirecting funds from Trump's border wall to pay TSA employees.

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What they’re saying

“Support the dedicated TSA employees working without pay by donating $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards. Visa gift cards cannot be accepted.”

— Denver International Airport (X)

“Donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, and diapers”

— Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (X)

What’s next

Lawmakers are considering redirecting funds from other DHS programs to pay TSA workers, but a resolution has been stalled by funding disputes between Democrats and the White House.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the human impact of the government shutdown, with dedicated TSA employees forced to work without pay. The public response of donating food and gift cards demonstrates the community's support for these essential workers during a difficult time.