PHILADELPHIA, PA — Firstrust Bank is funding an expansion of food assistance for Transportation Security Administration employees at Philadelphia International Airport during an ongoing federal funding gap that has left many workers without pay, the bank announced.
The donation will support a food pantry operated by Sharing Excess in Terminal E, increasing distributions from once a week to as many as five times weekly.
Sharing Excess, which has partnered with the airport during prior government shutdowns, currently provides one weekly delivery. With the new funding, the organization said it will scale operations to three to five distributions per week.
TSA officers are classified as essential employees and are required to work during federal funding lapses, even when pay is delayed.
The expanded food access is intended to provide groceries for employees and their families as the federal funding process continues. The U.S. Senate has passed a funding agreement, but a gap remains.
Evan Ehlers, founder and CEO of Sharing Excess, said the additional support will allow the organization to increase both the frequency and variety of food provided.
“With Firstrust’s support, we’re not only able to deliver food more frequently, but also expand the variety of fresh, nutritious options available,” Ehlers said.
Firstrust Executive Chairman Richard J. Green said the initiative is aimed at addressing immediate needs for affected workers.
“Expanding access to food for TSA employees through Sharing Excess is one way we seek to fulfill our mission, helping ease the burden for families who should not have to choose between putting food on the table and covering other essential needs,” Green said.
Firstrust Bank, founded in 1934 and headquartered in the Philadelphia region, has more than $5 billion in assets and operates 18 branch offices across southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
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