Food pantry to feed Philadelphia International Airport federal workers gains momentum

The airport is setting up food aid for federal workers who are affected by the government shutdown. 

Three weeks into the federal government shutdown, officials from the Philadelphia International Airport are soliciting companies from the region to help establish a food pantry for government employees that are working without pay, according to a post made on Reddit. 

“As you may be aware, many dedicated public servants are experiencing financial hardship due to missed paychecks. In response, we are organizing a food pantry to provide essential groceries and supplies to federal workers and their families during this difficult time,” the letter read. 

“We are seeking donations from community-minded companies like yours to help stock the pantry and meet the growing needs. Your contribution-whether monetary, non-perishable food items, toiletries, or grocery store gift cards-will go directly to supporting those who are serving our country without pay.”

Airport officials explained in a statement that the Department of Aviation created the food pantry for airport staff impacted by the shutdown on Monday. 

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers are some of the federal workers who are being forced to work without pay through the ongoing shutdown because they are considered essential employees. 

“ I personally think it in today’s age and what’s going on, it’s a shame. I think that we shouldn’t be here,” Phil Glover, District 3 National Vice President with the American Federal Government Employees (AFGE) union, said in an interview. 

There are over 66,000 federal employees in Pennsylvania, and the AFGE represents 31,000 those workers, which include roughly 600 TSA employees at Philadelphia International Airport.

“The House and Senate needs to negotiate an opening and pay people who are working. It’s as simple as that.”

Now that the shutdown is in its third week, most federal employees have stopped receiving their paychecks. Glover goes on to explain the extra steps these workers are going through in their personal lives. 

“They’re having to contact their mortgage lenders or landlords to try to put off rent or mortgage payments without penalty. They’re having to do the same thing with large car notes, and college loans. All of those kinds of things,” Glover said.

US Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), who recently introduced legislation protecting federal workers from evictions, foreclosures and other financial issues during the shutdown, called on Republicans to return to Washington DC and end the shutdown when asked about the food pantry.

“Every single day, the devastating consequences of Donald Trump’s shutdown are growing in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Republicans must return from their vacations, come back to Washington, reopen the government, and address their health care crisis,” Boyle said in a statement.