Business & Policy Economics Airports Collect Food for Unpaid TSA Workers By Robin Shreeves Writer Cairn University Rowan University Wine School of Philadelphia Robin Shreeves is a freelance writer who focuses on sustainability, wine, travel, food, parenting, and spirituality. our editorial process Robin Shreeves Updated January 27, 2019 Passengers wait to be screened by TSA agents at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 24. These federal employees aren't getting paid during the shutdown. (Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images) Share Twitter Pinterest Email Business & Policy Corporate Responsibility Environmental Policy Economics Food Issues Let's face it. No one enjoys going through the security checkpoint at the airport. But, during the current government shutdown, waiting in the Transportation Security Administration or TSA line doesn't seem as much as a hardship when you realize the TSA workers screening you aren't getting paid. Your inconvenience is short-lived compared to the difficulty of trying to figure out how you're going to pay the bills. Many airports are trying to relieve some of that stress by creating food donation drop-off points, giving anyone the opportunity to donate food and other necessities to the many federal workers who've been coming to work without pay for over a month now. The push to help is springing up locally, which each airport offering its own drop-off point and hours, like this callout for help in Baltimore. At my local airport, Philadelphia International, donations are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. They're asking for the following types of donations: Nonperishable foodDog foodCat foodDiapersWipesBaby formulaBaby foodGift cards to grocery storesGift cards to gas stationsFeminine productsHygiene products The pantry at the airport started on Jan. 22. By the end of the day, it was nearly cleared out, according to the airport's Facebook page. I happen to be at the airport right now, waiting for a flight. I had to arrive at 5 a.m. so I didn't bring a donation, but I'll be coming back to the airport with a donation after I get home. I imagine even once the shutdown ends, the financial hardships for TSA workers will continue for a while. Even if you aren't flying anytime soon, if you're near an airport, take a look at the airport website or Facebook page to see if you can drop off some food or necessities where you live.