RDU airport food drive set for unpaid federal workers as shutdown continues
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC and RDU will distribute food to unpaid airport workers.
- Drive 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tues., March 24 at 1101 International Dr., Morrisville
- Shutdown began Feb. 14, with DHS employees now receiving $0 paychecks
A food drive is set for airport employees who aren’t being paid during the partial government shutdown.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will pass out food to employees and their families impacted by the government shutdown from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, according to the food bank.
The event will take place at the airport at 1101 International Drive, Morrisville, across from the Amazon lot.
If an employee can’t make it, they can contact their supervisor for alternative pick-up times and locations, according to the food pantry’s social media. The food bank can also provide additional resources for people by calling 800-358-8189 or visiting FoodBankCENC.org/resources.
“Lost paychecks and government cuts are creating greater hardship for families who were already struggling to keep food on the table,” according to the food bank’s website. “Your tax-deductible gift supports neighbors who are navigating uncertainty on top of cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and food purchase programs.”
People can donate money or food by visiting FoodBankCENC.org/give.
TSA employees are allowed to accept grocery store or gas gift cards, but can’t accept Visa gift cards and cash, according to the airport on social media.
Donations can be dropped off at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 TSA Supervisor podiums at the back of the checkpoint or by asking to speak to a manager, according to the airport.
The partial government shutdown began on Feb. 14 affecting the Department of Homeland Security after some federal leaders vowed to not fund the department until reforms were made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after ICE agents shot and killed American citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year.
The more than 60,000 Transportation Security Administration employees, who have gone the last month receiving partial pay, will now receive $0 paychecks, CNN reported.
More than 11% of the TSA’s scheduled workforce called out on Saturday, according to ABC News, with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting that ICE agents were deploying to some airports including at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday.
This story was originally published March 23, 2026 at 1:55 PM.
