When I was traveling a while ago, I witnessed a situation that really stuck with me. A traveler was rude to the TSA agents, telling them they’d get paid eventually, even though they were working through the government shutdown without a paycheck. It bothered me deeply to see their hard work and stress dismissed so casually. These agents are required to show up every day, even as bills, daycare, and groceries still need to be paid, and the uncertainty of when they’ll be compensated only adds to their burden.
During the last shutdown, my friends and I started a group to support these dedicated workers. We partnered with local restaurants and delivered weekly meals to the TSA team at the Omaha airport, feeding about 160 people each week for eight weeks. It was a small way to show our gratitude and help ease some of the stress they were facing.
This time, we plan to do it again. We’ll work with local restaurants and grocery stores to provide lunches, but we’re also mindful of the challenges local businesses are facing in the current economy. We’ll look for cost-effective solutions and do our best not to overburden our partners. If the shutdown ends and there are funds left over, we’ll donate the remainder to local food banks, just as we did before. Please consider supporting this effort to show our appreciation for the TSA workers who keep us safe, even during difficult times. Your donation will help provide meals and a sense of community to those who need it most.