Across the country, collections are popping up to help Transportation Security Administration officers who have been without full pay for more than a month due to the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
The charity World Central Kitchen, more accustomed to feeding those in war zones and disaster areas, started providing meals to Washington, D.C.-area airports after many TSA officers missed their first full paycheck. On Thursday, Feeding San Diego began distributing 400 boxes with pasta, beans and peanut butter as well as fresh produce like strawberries and potatoes to affected agents near the airport after a request from TSA and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
Nonprofits are stepping in to help and coordinating closely with airports and local TSA offices because ethics rules around giving gifts to federal employees make it difficult for those affected by the shutdown to receive help directly.
Carissa Casares from Feeding San Diego said communicating with the airport means they can better tailor their resources and response to TSA workers' needs.
“We need to work directly with the people who have direct access to these employees and get this food to them at a time and location that is most convenient to them,” Casares said.
Saturday marks the 36th day that the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down after Democrats refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without changes to their operations after the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
More than 120,000 DHS employees are working without pay, including roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers as negotiations between lawmakers and the White House on limits to immigration enforcement drag on.
The funding lapse comes just months after a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in the nation’s history, which drove long lines at food banks across the U.S. as over 700,000 federal workers worked without pay.
For those wanting to help, it’s not as simple as going to the airport and giving cash or gift cards directly to TSA officers, who are prohibited from accepting gifts at screening locations, according to a DHS spokesperson.
But Aaron Barker, president of the AFGE Local 554 in Georgia, said TSA officer unions don’t have the same restrictions and can accept donations to distribute to their members. Barker recommends those who want to donate look up their local union district on the AFGE website, or give through their local labor council.
“For some people it can be life or death,” said Barker. “It’s just sad and terrible that this is happening.”
Union members have told Barker they’re unable to cover utility bills or pay for their children’s medical procedures. They’ve received eviction notices or had cars repossessed. They’re having trouble affording routine items, too.
“People don’t think about the things they just naturally have in their home, like toothpaste, bathroom tissue, milk, detergent, dish liquid,” he said. “I'm sure those things are a necessity for every TSA officer.”
Nonetheless, no donation can be as effective as an end to the shutdown. “The first thing they want is their paycheck,” said Barker. “The money is the most immediate need.”
Operation Food Search is working closely with TSA to safely deliver food and set up a temporary pantry at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
The Missouri hunger relief nonprofit's CEO said it is the first time they've distributed directly to TSA employees where they work.
“It removes their need to make an extra trip and drive here,” Kristen Wild said. “So we’re really excited that the airport allowed us to directly serve right there.”
They gave away just over half their 400 prepared food bags during a 2-hour period earlier this week, according to Wild. Each bag contained just under $20 worth of nonperishables such as apple sauce, pasta, rice and beans. Rules prohibit federal employees from soliciting or accepting gifts or items of monetary value greater than $20 if the gift is related to their government position.
Wild said she thought the $20 limit might be waived since they were distributing food through airport-approved channels.
“We didn’t know for sure,” Wild said. “But to play it safe we just kept it right under the $20 per bag amount so there would be no challenge to it.”
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport officials were fielding PETA donations and local food banks’ pallets on Friday afternoon as they stocked their private pantry for off-shift TSA staff.
But they've also seen dining vendors, usually tasked with feeding hungry travelers, step up. Airport tenants have offered discounts and donated through TSA to cover entire shifts' meals, according to airport spokesperson Perry Cooper.
“You know a lot of these people,” Cooper said. “You see faces and that throughout the day as you’re wandering through. And then to realize that some of these folks are here and they’re not getting paid, you know, really tugs at your heart to think what’s a way that we can help.”
The airport community’s support adds to the roughly $6,000 they've received in cash and gift cards plus another $10,000 worth of food and household products, Cooper said. That includes donations from the labor union for air traffic controllers, whose jobs are unimpacted by this partial shutdown but who understand the strain of working without pay from full government closures.
More than 460 people picked up fresh produce when local nonprofit Food Lifeline brought a truckload last Friday, according to Cooper. Most of the attendees were TSA staff, Cooper said, though some people might have been homeless. Boxes including pineapples and broccoli lined folding tables along the airport’s main drive.
Regular travelers like Musie Hidad said he thinks about the TSA agents working unpaid every time he enters through security.
“The work they are doing is serious and they aren’t getting paid for it," said Hidad, an Amarillo, Texas, resident, who was traveling to Columbus, Ohio, for work. “My heart goes out to them.”
AP video journalist Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos contributed to this report from Columbus, Ohio.
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
Travellers line up at the east security checkpoint in Denver International Airport Friday, March 20, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
A collection box for gift card donations for TSA workers who have gone unpaid for several weeks, sits near travellers in the main terminal of Denver International Airport Friday, March 20, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
A collection box for gift card donations for TSA workers who have gone unpaid for several weeks, sits near travellers in the main terminal of Denver International Airport Friday, March 20, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is participating in the InnoEX 2026, which is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 13 to 16 April. This participation marks ASTRI’s first public engagement following its strategic merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) on 1 April 2026, highlighting its enhanced research and development (R&D) capabilities. The merger brings together pioneering ICT technologies and advanced materials expertise, creating strong synergies that drive greater innovation and enable more impactful practical applications.
Under the theme “Leading Innovation • Breaking Boundaries”, ASTRI’s booth showcases 40 market-ready innovations across four key areas: Healthcare, Food Technology, Smart Living, and Mobility Technology. Highlights include advancements in construction and property management technology, artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy technology, electronics and batteries, green materials, nanotechnology and sustainability-led innovations – all contributing to the growth of smart cities.
Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, and Mr Daniel Cheung, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the HKSAR Government visit ASTRI’s booth at InnoEX in support of the Institute. Photo source: ASTRI
Driving Innovation for Economic Growth
Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, described the merger of ASTRI and NAMI as a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) sector, injecting fresh impetus into the city’s high-quality economic development. “ASTRI will continue to drive technology transfer and commercialisation through R&D collaborations and licensing, while further fostering partnerships among the I&T ecosystem. This will accelerate the journey from lab to market, benefiting industries and society at large. Together, we aim to build a smarter, greener and more resilient future, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global I&T hub.”
He also emphasised ASTRI’s commitment to collaborate with global partners leveraging Hong Kong’s unique “super-connector” role, showcasing the city’s R&D excellence on the world stage.
Board Chairman and senior executives of ASTRI officiate at opening ceremony, (from left) Mr Savio Ng Chief Commercial Officer, Ms Jenny Yiu, Chief Operating Officer; Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer; Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman; Dr Ying Huang, Chief Technology Officer; and Dr Tracy Liu, Deputy Chief Technology Officer. Photo source: ASTRI
Enhanced Capabilities for Creating Total Solutions
Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, highlighted the institute’s expanded research capabilities following the merger. “By uniting advanced technologies with materials science, we are delivering more innovative and holistic solutions to enhance our clients’ efficiency and competitiveness. We are delighted to participate in this mega event, showcasing ASTRI’s post-merger capabilities to global stakeholders across government, industry, academia, research and investment, while exploring new avenues for collaboration.”
He added that the breadth and depth of technologies on display at this year’s InnoEx have set a new record, underscoring the synergies created by the merger. He cited examples such as ASTRI’s advanced 5G-enabled remote-control tower crane systems, its Edison Awards 2026-finalist precision positioning technology, and high-strength lightweight concrete designed for modular integrated construction (MiC) as innovations transforming the construction industry.
“This integrated solution reduces structural weight by 25%-40%, significantly lowering transportation and lifting costs while improving installation accuracy. Paired with energy-saving Nano-curtain coating and carbon-neutral biochar concrete, it further advances the sustainability of construction projects,” he explained.
ASTRI showcases 40 market-ready technologies at InnoEX. Picture shows Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI (left) and Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI at the fair. Photo source: ASTRI
Integrating Cutting-Edge Technology with Advanced Materials
In addition, ASTRI has developed a comprehensive fall prevention solution for the elderly, combining behavioural prediction, alert systems, and protective materials to enhance safety. “Leveraging behavioural sensing analytics and pressure detection technology, our system effectively predicts the likelihood of falls and issues early warnings. This is complemented by an impact-absorbing intelligent floor mat that disperses and converts the force of a fall into heat energy, reducing the risk of injury. Seniors can also wear the comfortable and form-fitting hip protectors to further minimise the risk of fractures.”
ASTRI has also blended advanced materials with innovative technologies to create breakthrough green energy solutions. These not only improve energy efficiency and storage but also enhance resilience to extreme weather and stabilise energy supply, driving the sustainable development of smart cities. Other key innovative solutions include:
Healthcare
• CHIMP: Continuous Health Information Monitoring Patch: Co-developed with the Hospital Authority and Tin Shui Wai Hospital, this wearable device collects real-time vital data from hospitalised patients, enhancing care efficiency and patient safety. It won the Gold Award in the Smart Living (Smart Healthcare) category at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2025.
• Probiotics Revitalising System (PRS): Probiotic strains with demonstrated skin-health benefits are rendered dormant using our PRS technology, then revitalised upon topical application on skin to help promote a balanced microbiome.
Food Technology
• Intelligent Tactile Sensing for Fruit Ripeness Detection: Advanced sensing technology has been brought from the lab to farms and food processing facilities, ensuring fruits are harvested and delivered at peak ripeness and quality.
• 3D Printable Formulations for Texturised Food: It enables the 3D printing of nutritious care food with definite shape and layer fidelity, fabricating whole meat and fillets that can fulfill the protein needs of the elderly, alongside biting and chewable pleasure.
Smart Living
• Embodied Intellibot System: Powered by Vision-Language Models (VLMs), these robots can perceive environments, understand and execute human instructions. Suitable for home, industrial, and healthcare applications, they ensure safety and reliability.
• 55°C+ High-temperature Resistant Li-ion Batteries: Machine learning-optimised electrolyte solvents & additives cut 80% standby loss, extend cycle life by 25% under high temperature, ideal for outdoor energy storage in high-temperature environments.
Mobility Technology
• Generative Pretrained Model for Multi-Modal Traffic Data: Revolutionising urban traffic management system with artificial intelligence.
• Self-Levelling Backfill Materials: Traditional road damage and collapses caused by inadequate soil compaction are mitigated with this self-levelling, self-compacting backfill material. It can be continuously pumped into trenches, improving construction efficiency and road quality.
Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, members of ASTRI’s Board of Directors and senior executives of ASTRI attend the opening ceremony to show their support and encouragement to the R&D team. Photo source: ASTRI
About ASTRI
Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D center. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 global patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development.
