Barkley Regional Airport is launching a community food drive to support local TSA officers working without pay during the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. The non-perishable food drive starts on Monday, March 16, with a drop-off location inside the new terminal.
The initiative, “Fuel the Frontline Food Drive,” comes amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, which has left thousands of federal security workers across the country reporting to work without pay, including TSA officers serving travelers at Barkley Regional Airport.
While the shutdown is a national issue, the impact is being felt locally. TSA officers stationed at Barkley Regional Airport are members of the Purchase Region community who continue reporting to work each day to screen passengers and ensure airport security, even though they are not currently receiving pay.
Airport leadership say the financial strain is beginning to affect many officers and their families as the shutdown continues. The food drive is intended to provide practical support while also giving the community a way to show appreciation for the officers who help keep the airport operating safely.
“These officers are our neighbors, our friends, and members of this community,” said Dennis Rouleau, Executive Director of Barkley Regional Airport. “They continue to show up every day to keep our airport secure. This effort is about making sure they know the community stands behind them during a difficult time.”
Suggested donation items include:
- Canned vegetables or fruit
- Canned soup, chili, or stew
- Peanut butter
- Baby formula
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Pasta, rice, or boxed meals
- Cereal or oatmeal
- Granola or snack bars
Donations will be accepted beginning Monday, March 16, at the Barkley Regional Airport terminal. Please bring donations to the clearly marked collection area inside the terminal. All donated items will be distributed directly to TSA officers working at the airport, and the food drive will remain in place until the Department of Homeland Security funding lapse is resolved.
To participate, bring unopened, unexpired non-perishable food items during regular terminal operating hours. Place items in the designated collection area next to the airline check-in counter inside Barkley Regional Airport terminal at 100 Terminal Drive, Paducah, Kentucky. If you have questions, contact the administrative office at 270-744-0521.