Food Lifeline Distributes Food to TSA Workers During Department of Homeland Security Shutdown
Last Friday, Food Lifeline hosted a rapid-response food distribution for TSA workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
For the second time in six months, the U.S. Congress is at odds over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This time the impasse hinges on reforms at ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection). The DHS shutdown started on February 14 and is now entering the second month, with no resolution in sight.
Despite the funding lapse, DHS agencies, including TSA and the Coast Guard, continue to operate and essential workers are required to work during the shutdown without pay, adding financial strain to the uncertainty. So far TSA workers have missed a partial paycheck on 2/28 and their first full paycheck on 3/14.
Committed to ensure federal workers have access to food during government shutdowns, Food Lifeline quickly organized food distributions to support TSA workers.
In the middle of a late winter snowfall, the Free Mobile Market truck arrived for service on Friday, 3/13, at the SeaTac airport. Attendees started to line up at 11, and for 5 hours over 470 airport workers picked up food along with their community’s deep appreciation for their work.
After the event, Eric Schinfeld, Sr. Manager, Federal & International Government Relations for the Port of Seattle, responded,
“I’m not sure I have words enough to express how grateful we are for your support of our TSA workers at SEA. Your generosity, your kindness and your flexibility is truly incredible and deeply appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m not sure how we would make do without you!!!”
The event was made possible through the efforts of Food Lifeline staff, volunteers, and community partners who quickly mobilized to support workers.
A second distribution of over 1400 pounds occurred midday on Wednesday, March 18 at Paine Field Airport. 37 attendees chose from canned tuna, eggs, rice, beans and fresh produce, and leftovers were delivered to the Salvation Army in Everett.
Torrance Dixon, Food Lifeline Power Hub Coordinator, managed the distributions and shared:
“The gratitude from everyone we served full of smiles & ‘thank-yous’ made our efforts all worth it. It’s always appreciated when the energy of volunteers and staff show up in these spaces with a heart of service.
Food Lifeline extends its gratitude to the Port of Seattle, volunteers, and community partners whose support made this rapid response possible. Once again, we proved that when community and service align, amazing things happen! A special thank you goes to TSA workers for the work they continue to do every day.
Delivering nourishment to our neighbors and moments of hope like these energizes us to grow this powerful community of care.
