Orlando airport plans food drive to help workers going unpaid during shutdown

Orlando International Airport will host a food drive to help Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without a paycheck.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the airport is setting up a food pantry Wednesday and will take donations from the public to help feed workers.

More than twice the normal rate of employees have been calling in sick in recent days as the partial government shutdown leaves them working without pay.

{mosads}Airports across the country, including in Houston and Atlanta, have dealt with long security lines and even closures due to a lack of staffing.

A press release announcing the planned food drive asked the public to donate nonperishable food and other items such as toiletries and baby supplies.

The food drive at the Orlando airport can be utilized by federal employees from TSA, Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Similar events are planned at other Florida airports this week, with some including free meals for federal employees forced to work without pay.