Pittsburgh Airport Partners with Food Bank for TSA Employees

Pittsburgh International Airport has teamed up with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to set up a food pantry specifically for TSA employees who have gone without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown.

This collaboration began on Thursday.

“Along with our volunteer ambassadors, we are deploying our operations team to ensure everyone is in the right line and aware of the ID requirements for bag checks. We aim to enhance the security experience while the TSA is understaffed,” remarked Bob Karlick, director of public affairs at the airport.

The airport plans to provide free lunches twice a week.

“It’s crucial to support our TSA employees, who work around the clock every day of the year. Offering free lunches or food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is just one way we can help,” Karlick added.

The food pantry has over 8,000 pounds of prepackaged meals and fresh produce available for the employees in need.

“These workers are vital for community safety and mobility. Without TSA agents, air travel would be a mess. As a community, it’s our responsibility to support our neighbors during such uncertain times,” said Brian Glish, vice president of marketing and communications at the food bank.

“We will continue to partner with airports for as long as necessary,” he continued.

The Department of Homeland Security has been shuttered for five weeks since the Valentine’s Day holiday due to a failure among Senate lawmakers to agree on funding.

Initially, the Senate passed a temporary two-week bill to cover DHS while they sought a new budget. However, Democrats have held off on funding until their proposals for stricter immigration oversight are addressed.