Local Hospitality Community Seeks Help in Supporting Unpaid TSA Workers at Dane County Regional Airport
United Way of Dane County Helping to Meet Food and Fuel Needs
MADISON, WIS. (Thursday, March 26, 2026) – The hospitality industry has teamed up with local support agencies to aid federal workers during a difficult time. Despite no pay for several weeks, local TSA team members have shown up for work at Dane County Regional Airport with patience and a welcoming spirit. While the industry has provided some meal relief to TSA workers, their needs have deepened as the government’s TSA shutdown has lingered. Now the larger community has a chance to make an impact with a new food and fuel initiative through the United Way of Dane County.
The new initiative will help unpaid federal workers purchase much-needed food and fuel to help with their daily lives. Funds from the campaign will be used to purchase Kwik Trip gift cards for the more than 100 TSA workers who continue to do their jobs without pay.
“Our TSA officers are not just federal employees, they are members of our community who show up every day to keep travelers safe and our airport running smoothly. They are part of what makes Dane County Regional Airport such a welcoming and easy place to travel through,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “In this moment, it is inspiring to see our local hospitality community stepping up to support them and their families. That spirit of care and connection is what defines Dane County.”
“We are so grateful to our hospitality industry, who have provided meals to TSA workers the past few weeks. Now, thanks to our friends at United Way of Dane County, our entire community has the opportunity to help ease the strain these workers face during this difficult time,” said Ellie Westman Chin, Destination Madison President & CEO.
Please visit https://unitedwaydanecounty.org/tsarelief to make your donation today. *Note – if funds aren’t fully distributed before the shutdown ends, unused contributions will be sent to Dane County food banks and pantries.