Food banks distribute items to federal employees at DFW Airport
Local food banks distributed food on Friday to federal employees who work at DFW Airport and are affected by the government shutdown.
Staff at the food banks and pantries said it’s the first time many of the federal workers are relying on assistance getting food. The North Texas Food Bank and Tarrant Area Food Bank worked with DFW to stage the event in the north and south employee parking lots.
Some of the workers, who are not being paid during the shutdown, said they are dipping into savings accounts or borrowing money to stay afloat. Employees of the TSA, FAA and Border Patrol were invited to attend.
"We're working with agencies to strategize,” said Dr. Valerie Hawthorne, Director of Government relations, North Texas Food Bank.
Lawmakers have funded roughly 75 percent of the federal government through September 2019. But about 800,000 are affected by the shutdown.
Counselors were also on hand to help employees sign up for emergency food benefits, if needed.