San Francisco International Airport hosted two food service programs to assist federal employees affected by government funding

Airport offers meal service to thank federal employees, free Farmer’s Market

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 2019-Jan-29 — /Travel PR News/ — the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) hosted two food service programs today (January 28, 2019) to assist federal employees who had been working without pay due to current partial government funding lapse. The Airport hosted a recognition event and meal service, sponsored by United Airlines, to show appreciation to federal employees for their continued hard work. A mix of hot meals and takeaway food was offered throughout the day to accommodate various work schedules, serving a total of about 400 employees. The event also provided federal workers with resources to help manage unexpected financial challenges.

In addition, SFO hosted a free Farmer’s Market food distribution program today in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, delivering fresh produce and non-perishable items at no cost to approximately 175 federal employees at SFO. The Airport and Second Harvest Food Bank will evaluate hosting an additional free Farmer’s Market until pay is restored to federal workers.

“These programs demonstrate how the SFO community comes together to support our own in times of need,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “As one team, we are committed to doing everything possible to support our federal employees who have been working without pay. My thanks go out to the SFO staff for making these programs a reality, and to United Airlines and Second Harvest Food Bank for their generous contributions to these efforts.”

“The government shutdown affects our entire community,” said Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “We are pleased to partner with SFO to provide fresh produce and critical staples to our federal workers who continue to work and keep the skies safe and open despite not receiving their paychecks. Many of these workers have not needed food assistance before so we want to make it as easy and as welcoming as possible as they go through this challenging time.”

A variety of federal agencies employ workers at SFO, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who staff air traffic controllers and related staff, Customs & Border Protection (CBP) who staff in the International Arrivals area, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who oversee the Screening Partnership Program, in which security screening services are contracted to qualified private companies. At SFO, the TSA holds a contract with Covenant Aviation Services for security screening services. Covenant Aviation Services employs approximately 1,200 workers at SFO, and these non-federal employees continued to receive pay during the government shutdown.

About San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 50 international cities on 42 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 85 cities in the U.S. on 12 domestic airlines.  SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising.  For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/flysfo and  www.facebook.com/flysfo.

CONTACT:
Doug Yakel
Public Information Officer
External Affairs Office
San Francisco International Airport
650.821.4000
Doug.Yakel@flysfo.com

Source: San Francisco International Airport