Syracuse Airport Hosts Food Drive for TSA Workers

Donations accepted March 18-20 to support federal employees working without pay during government shutdown

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:33pm

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Syracuse Hancock International Airport is hosting a three-day food drive to collect non-perishable items and gift cards for TSA employees and their families who are working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

Many TSA workers are struggling financially as they continue to report for duty at airports across the country without receiving paychecks. This community-driven initiative aims to provide essential food and supplies to support these federal employees and their loved ones during the shutdown.

The details

The donation drive will take place from March 18-20 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day at the Arrivals A curbline at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Organizers are accepting non-perishable food items like canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and shelf-stable meals, as well as gift cards. Donations can also be dropped off at the Security Office on the first floor next to Say Si Bon inside the airport if people can't make it during the drive hours. The final deadline for all donations is March 20 at midnight.

  • The food drive will run from March 18 - March 20, 2026.
  • Donations will be accepted from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day.
  • The final deadline for all donations is March 20 at midnight.

The players

Syracuse Hancock International Airport

The airport hosting the food drive to support TSA employees working without pay during the government shutdown.

TSA employees

Federal workers with the Department of Homeland Security who are continuing to work at airports across the country without receiving paychecks during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

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The takeaway

This food drive demonstrates the community's support for TSA workers who are making personal sacrifices to continue serving the public during the government shutdown. It's a heartwarming example of how local initiatives can provide critical aid to federal employees in need.