• Jackie Rachev

The Salvation Army Providing Meals to Chicago TSA During Government Shutdown

Meals will be provided for each shift at O’Hare and Midway airports

(CHICAGO, Jan. 18, 2019) – The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division is providing meals for all working TSA agents for the duration of the government shutdown, during all three shifts at both O’Hare and Midway airports. Meals at O’Hare will start Friday afternoon; meals at Midway will begin Saturday morning.

“The Salvation Army has always served during times of difficulty,” said Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, Salvation Army Metropolitan Divisional Commander. “It is only appropriate that we are there to support the TSA agents who ensure that we are safe during our flights. We are honored the City of Chicago Department of Aviation has allowed us to come into the airports and serve their staff.”

Salvation Army staff and volunteers will prepare and serve hot meals for the first two shifts and provide bagged meals for the overnight crews. Typical meals include spaghetti, casseroles, burgers/hot dogs, chicken and rice, and more.

“Of course we are here to make sure these individuals don’t have to worry about food while they’re working,” said Major David Dalberg, Director of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services in the Chicagoland area. “But we’re also here to listen if people need to talk. This can be a time of uncertainty and we want to show our appreciation for all they’re going through, and a sense of hope and better days to come.”

Details

O’Hare Airport:

• Meals will be served 7 – 9 a.m. and 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Bag meals will be available for the third-shift staff. 900 – 1,000 hot meals are expected to be served every day
• Meals will be distributed in the Lower Level break rooms at terminals 2 and 5 5 Salvation Army staff/volunteers will serve per shift

Midway Airport:

• Meals will be served 6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m. Bag meals will be available for the third-shift staff. 400 hot meals are expected to be served every day
• Meals will be distributed in the break room L3
• 3 Salvation Army staff/volunteers will serve per shift

NOTE: SALVATION ARMY STAFF ARE AVAILABLE FOR ON-CAMERA AND PHONE-IN INTERVIEWS.