Food Bank Steps Up to Help TSA Officers at BWI-Marshall During Shutdown

Hundreds of TSA workers at the airport are struggling without paychecks as the partial government shutdown continues.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:05am

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With hundreds of TSA officers at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport going without paychecks due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank is stepping up to provide food assistance. Union leaders say the financial struggles are turning dire for TSA workers, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck, and are urging travelers to be kind and offer support.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has left many essential federal workers, including TSA officers, without pay, creating financial hardship and food insecurity for them and their families. This highlights the real-world impacts of political gridlock in Washington on ordinary workers.

The details

Most TSA officers at BWI-Marshall received little or no pay in their last paycheck, and will go completely without a paycheck on Friday. Union leaders say numerous employees received $0, $5, or $50 after deductions, leaving them struggling to feed their families. The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is stepping in to provide 600 boxes of non-perishable food to help the affected TSA workers.

  • TSA officers at BWI-Marshall received little or no pay in their last paycheck on March 1, 2026.
  • TSA officers at BWI-Marshall will go completely without a paycheck on March 15, 2026.

The players

Mac Johnson

President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 0449, the union representing TSA officers at BWI-Marshall.

Leah Paley

CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, which is providing food assistance to TSA officers at BWI-Marshall.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, they're frustrated. Because they're sick of going through shutdowns and not getting paid for work performed.”

— Mac Johnson, President, American Federation of Government Employees Local 0449 (wbal.com)

“If this shutdown unfortunately does continue, we're hoping that this distribution will continue. This is not a situation that I think anyone wants to find themselves in.”

— Leah Paley, CEO, Anne Arundel County Food Bank (wbal.com)

What’s next

Union leaders urge travelers to be kind and offer support to TSA officers during this difficult time, such as by donating to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

The takeaway

The partial government shutdown is having a real impact on the lives of essential federal workers like TSA officers, highlighting the need for political leaders to find a resolution and ensure these public servants are paid for their critical work.