Foodshare Helps TSA Agents Amid Shutdown

0:00It's March 26th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Hartford News today, local news powered by AI. Connecticut food share is stepping up again to help TSA agents at Bradley International Airport and Tweed, New Haven Airport. These essential workers are going without pay during the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, now in its six weeks in starting. On February 14th, the Food Bank, which partners with over 600 pantry statewide, has been delivering groceries through mobile trucks. The group plans to keep distributions going until the agents receive their back pay, handing out thousands of pounds of mostly shelf-stable items like canned vegetables, pasta, rice, and peanut butter. They also include fresh produce and frozen meat when possible. This March, the third time food share has done this, including during last fall's record 45-day shutdown that hit nutrition programs hard. Another space real strain from missing their third paycheck this week after 41 days without

1:00funds, leading to higher absences and some quitting. Nationwide, many rely on timely pay for rent and basics. In Connecticut, though, airport operations remain normal with no major delays reported. Congress remains deadlocked on funding, with Democrats pushing for immigration enforcement limits before approving budgets, while Republicans seek. Full Department of Homeland Security support. Local votes in the House and Senate have failed, including recent proposals from both sides. Food share tap reserves for this effort, and even offered aid to Coast Guard members, though most are paid. They will stick around post-shut down to ensure workers get through the paycheck lag, highlighting the ongoing human cost amid the political impasse.