Nonprofits, Unions, and Airports Rally to Feed TSA Officers During Shutdown

Charity groups, labor unions, and airport communities are providing meals and other aid to Transportation Security Administration workers who are working without pay during the partial government shutdown.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:33am

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Across the country, nonprofits, unions, and airport communities are stepping up to provide food, supplies, and other assistance to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who are working without pay due to the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Charities like World Central Kitchen and Feeding San Diego are distributing meals and essential goods to TSA workers, while airports are also coordinating with local groups to set up temporary pantries and discounted meals for affected agents. However, ethics rules make it difficult for TSA officers to directly accept gifts, so the groups are working closely with the TSA and airports to ensure the aid reaches the workers in need.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has left over 120,000 Department of Homeland Security employees, including around 50,000 TSA officers, working without pay. This has created significant financial hardship for these federal workers, many of whom are struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, utilities, and medical bills. The charity efforts aim to provide immediate relief and support to these TSA agents who are continuing to perform their critical security duties at airports across the country despite the lack of paychecks.

The details

Nonprofits like World Central Kitchen, Feeding San Diego, and Operation Food Search have been coordinating with airports and local TSA offices to distribute meals, groceries, and other essential supplies to affected TSA officers. For example, Feeding San Diego began providing 400 boxes of food to TSA agents near the San Diego airport, while Operation Food Search set up a temporary pantry at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. However, ethics rules prohibit TSA officers from directly accepting gifts valued over $20, so the groups are working through approved airport channels to get the aid to the workers. Airport communities have also stepped up, with vendors offering discounts and donations to cover TSA shifts' meals.

  • The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security began on March 22, 2026.
  • Saturday, March 23, 2026 marks the 36th day of the shutdown.

The players

World Central Kitchen

A charity organization that provides meals in areas affected by natural disasters and other crises.

Feeding San Diego

A nonprofit hunger relief organization that began distributing food to TSA officers in San Diego.

Operation Food Search

A Missouri-based hunger relief nonprofit that is working with the St. Louis Lambert International Airport to set up a temporary pantry for TSA employees.

AFGE Local 554

The local union representing TSA officers in Georgia, which can accept donations to distribute to its members.

Musie Hidad

A regular traveler from Amarillo, Texas who expresses sympathy for the unpaid TSA agents he encounters at the airport.

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What they’re saying

“We need to work directly with the people who have direct access to these employees and get this food to them at a time and location that is most convenient to them.”

— Carissa Casares, Feeding San Diego

“For some people it can be life or death. It's just sad and terrible that this is happening.”

— Aaron Barker, President of AFGE Local 554 in Georgia

“The work they are doing is serious and they aren't getting paid for it. My heart goes out to them.”

— Musie Hidad

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the financial hardship faced by federal workers during government shutdowns, and the vital role that nonprofits, unions, and local communities play in providing emergency aid and support. While these charitable efforts are making a difference, the most immediate need for TSA officers is to have the government shutdown resolved so they can receive their full paychecks.