Unpaid Pittsburgh Airport TSA Agents To Receive Free Food

PITTSBURGH, PA — People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals workers will visit Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday to provide suitcases of vegan food and other supplies to Transportation Security Administration agents.

The agents have been missing paychecks during the current partial government shutdown, which has led to an exodus of TSA employees. Politco reported on Wednesday that nearly 500 airport screeners have quit since the partial shutdown began last month.

In addition to food, PETA also is sending a letter of support to TSA agents.

"PETA understands that many of you are continuing to show up for duty while waiting for paychecks to resume, and we wanted to offer a small gesture of support during this challenging time," Danielle Katz, PETA vice president of campaigns, wrote in the letter.

The suitcases—bearing signs reading, “Kindness Cleared for Takeoff. Vegan Food for TSA.”—will contain non-perishable, animal-friendly essentials including shelf-stable vegan milks, vegan jerky, protein bars, dairy-free mac and cheese, and more, as well as food, treats, and toys for companion animals.

"We hope this special delivery provides a moment of joy and a little help during this difficult time," Katz wrote.

TSA agents at airports across the country, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, have received similar treatment.