TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - On day 27 of the partial government shutdown many federal employees are still working without pay while trying to keep food on the table for their families.
Which is why Second Harvest of the Big Bend set up their mobile food pantry Thursday at Tallahassee International Airport.
There are 45 TSA employees and FAA employees who work at the Tallahassee International Airport. Many we spoke to on Thursday say the mobile food pantry is a great help during a hard time.
"Personally, it helps me because I have a family to feed and so this will go a long way in providing for my family and give me the resources so that I can buy gas for next week," said Edith Carey, TSA Security Manager.
Program organizers say the federal employees are working hard and keeping us safe, yet they haven't been paid, and they don't know when they'll be paid.
"We are doing our part to show our appreciation and we hope that with the food that they receive today they can more easily stretch their dollar and afford their rent and expenses," said Rick Minor, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
Minor says they will bring groceries to the federal employees at the airport as long as there is a need, but they are not the only federal employees in the area that Second Harvest will be helping.
"We are talking with folks at the Federal Corrections Institute on Capital Circle. We'll be out there next week and we'll publicize that date soon," said Minor.
There are about 200 federal employees at the prison.
A TSA agent we spoke to Wednesday said his biggest fear is losing his home. He said he doesn't want to lose his home over something he has no control over.
If you would like to help, visit the Second harvest of the Big Bend's website at fightinghunger.org to make a monetary donation or sign up to volunteer.
