Nonprofits, unions, and airports rally to feed unpaid TSA officers

Efforts underway to provide food and other necessities as government shutdown drags on

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:53pm

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Nonprofits, labor unions, and airports are working together to provide food and other assistance to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who are working without pay due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. With over 50,000 TSA officers affected, organizations are coordinating directly with airports to set up temporary food pantries and distribution points to get supplies to the officers in need.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has left thousands of federal workers, including TSA officers, without paychecks, causing significant financial hardship. These collaborative efforts by nonprofits, unions, and airports aim to ensure TSA officers can access basic necessities like food, toiletries, and other essentials during this difficult time.

The details

Nonprofits like Feeding San Diego and Operation Food Search are working closely with airports to set up food distribution points and temporary pantries on-site to make it easier for TSA officers to access the supplies they need. The organizations are tailoring their response based on direct communication with the airports and local TSA union representatives to understand the specific needs of the officers. While federal employees are generally prohibited from accepting gifts over $20 related to their government work, the nonprofits are keeping the value of each food bag under that limit to avoid any issues.

  • The partial government shutdown began on March 22, 2026 after Democrats refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without changes to their operations.
  • The shutdown has now lasted for 37 days, leaving over 120,000 Department of Homeland Security employees, including 50,000 TSA officers, working without pay.

The players

Feeding San Diego

A nonprofit organization providing food assistance in the San Diego area.

Operation Food Search

A nonprofit organization working to distribute food to those in need in the St. Louis area.

AFGE Local 554

A local union representing TSA officers in Georgia.

Musie Hidad

A regular traveler passing through Seattle-Tacoma International 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, from 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 the 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

As the government shutdown continues, nonprofits and unions will likely need to expand their efforts to provide ongoing support and assistance to unpaid TSA officers. Lawmakers and the White House will also need to reach an agreement to end the shutdown and restore paychecks for these federal workers.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the real-world impacts of political gridlock, as thousands of federal workers struggle to make ends meet through no fault of their own. The collaborative response from nonprofits, unions, and airports demonstrates the power of community-driven solutions to address urgent needs when government fails to do so.