Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Hosts Food Drive to Support Federal Employees During Government Shutdown

Support for Federal Workers Amid Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District is stepping up to help local federal employees in need. With around 37,000 federal workers in South Carolina affected, many are now facing financial difficulties.

Tiffany Cherry, the district’s communications manager, shared that the airport is organizing a food drive to collect non-perishable food and essential household items. This initiative aims to support those struggling, especially since many federal employees are working without pay. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, only essential workers, including military staff, are still on duty but are not receiving paychecks unless their funds come from other sources.

Donations can be given at the airport’s Information Center and the Valet Parking kiosk during specified hours. This isn’t the first time the airport has taken such action; they organized a similar food drive during the longest government shutdown in history from late 2018 to early 2019.

The collected items will go to a pop-up pantry available to all federal employees at the airport, including those in the TSA and Customs and Border Protection. Dave Edwards, the CEO of the airport district, emphasized the importance of supporting federal workers, noting their critical role in the safety and operations of the airport.

Impact of the Government Shutdown

Government shutdowns don’t just affect employees; they have a ripple effect on the economy. In South Carolina, around 568,000 individuals depending on SNAP benefits face potential disruptions. A recent analysis pointed out that nearly 220,000 of these are children. Additionally, senior citizens expecting Social Security checks could experience delays, affecting their day-to-day lives.

Economic analysts estimate that the shutdown could cost South Carolina’s economy about $188 million weekly. In particular, small businesses are hit hard; the freeze on Small Business Administration loans could delay around $41 million in funds. This downturn not only affects businesses but also reduces consumer spending significantly.

As Congress tries to resolve the funding impasse, U.S. Rep. William Timmons is committed to offering assistance to constituents. He has actively called for action to ensure service members receive their pay, highlighting the urgency of supporting those dedicated to serving the country.

In these tough times, community efforts, like the food drive at GSP, showcase how people can come together to help one another. The hope is that with continued support and a swift end to the shutdown, federal workers and their families can find relief.

For further information on the economic implications of government shutdowns, you can check the Council of Economic Advisers report.

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