The ongoing partial government shutdown, which began in mid-February, has had a significant impact on federal security screeners working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As the shutdown enters its second month, many TSA workers have missed their first paychecks, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. In response, airports across the United States have set up food pantries and other charitable programs to provide essential supplies to these unpaid workers.

Airport officials in at least 11 cities, including Orlando, Cleveland, and Las Vegas, have reported high demand at their food pantry sites. In Florida, over 160 federal employees received food and other necessities during the first week of a food pantry operation at Orlando International Airport. However, officials are seeking more donations to meet the ongoing need.

Similarly, in Cleveland, airport leaders have noted that their food shelf has been heavily utilized, with dozens of workers taking advantage of donated essential items and gift cards. In Las Vegas, the demand for supplies has become so great that airport officials are seeking additional donations to replenish their pantry.

The shutdown has also led to an increase in absences among TSA officers, with some airports reporting call-out rates of over 50%. This has caused lengthy wait times at airport security checkpoints, leading to concerns among the airline industry. Airlines for America, a trade association for passenger and cargo airlines, has sent an open letter to Congress urging them to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to restore pay for TSA workers.

Several airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, have taken measures to support TSA workers during this difficult time. These measures include providing meal vouchers, free parking, and free rides on public transportation.

The shutdown has also affected other agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U. S. Coast Guard, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. All employees at these agencies, as well as some Customs and Border Protection employees, are currently working without pay.

The shutdown has caused financial strain for many TSA workers, with some creating GoFundMe pages to support their families. In Omaha, a Nebraska man has used GoFundMe to raise money to buy meals for TSA employees at Eppley Airfield. Many airport managers have also stepped in to provide assistance, with some offering food pantries, diaper banks, and gas cards to help struggling workers.

The shutdown has also led to a call for action from various airport associations, including the American Association of Airport Executives and Airports Council International-North America. These organizations have urged Congress to end the funding impasse for DHS, citing the negative impact it has had on airport operations and the livelihoods of TSA workers.

Overall, the shutdown has created challenges for TSA workers and their families, who are struggling to make ends meet without a steady paycheck.