A global company based in Bristol has been helping employees of the Transportation Security Administration at Tri-Cities Airport affected by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history reported by Herald Courier.
Universal Fibers has been providing meals to TSA workers since Jan. 18. It is part of the company’s mission of social responsibility, which includes community outreach and safety, according to a company spokesman. And the service TSA provides on a daily basis falls into the safety category, according to Joe Parry, director of global marketing for Universal Fibers.
“That’s why we identified the TSA crew at Tri-Cities Airport because this is the airport we frequently use,” he said. “We are a global business and travel a great deal. We’re really happy to do this and it aligns with sustainability and safety, and it’s just our way to say thanks and show appreciation.”
A variety of meals from local restaurants or food service providers have been provided. The food was delivered over the last two weekends by Ranae Anderson, director of global sustainability at Universal.
Parry said TSA employees are dedicated and committed and providing them with meals was the only way company officials could think of to show their appreciation.
Kristi Haulsee, director of marking and air services for the airport, said Friday that the community has really stepped up for the federal employees who have been working without pay. She said a number of individuals and companies have provided food and gift cards.
“Based on what I’ve seen here, the tremendous amount of community support has really kept their spirits high,” she said. “As high as they can be at a very stressful time.”
The TSA reached for comment on the meals:
“I am on furlough until further notice due to the partial government shutdown,” Mark Howell, regional spokesman person for TSA, said in an automatic email response.
