ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Air traffic controllers are facing a tough reality — managing one of the most stressful jobs in America without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

With countless lives in their hands, one local pilot decided this week that it was time to give back in a big way — by air.

At La Casa Del Pane Italian Bakery and Café in St. Pete Beach, the kitchen was buzzing with activity. Pizza and sandwiches were being made from scratch, packed, and prepared for delivery — not by car, but by plane.

“We got 25 sandwiches and six pizzas,” said pilot Sammy Wang, who teamed up with the Silestri family, owners of the bakery, to bring food to air traffic controllers at Tampa International Airport.

“They make everything here from scratch,” Wang said, adding that the effort was all about showing appreciation for the controllers who “keep us working and staying safe.”

Antonio Silestri, who runs the bakery with his family, joined Wang as co-pilot for the unique delivery.

“Just making a little pizza for the folks over there at the airport,” he said, as his mother Anna helped assemble the sandwiches.

Wang wanted to ensure that all 35 controllers working throughout the day had enough food, with enough left over to take some home.

“There’s been crazier things done in aviation,” he said as they prepared to take off.

Wang said the short five-minute flight from St. Pete to Tampa carried not just food, but a message of gratitude.

“They were all really excited,” he said. “Everyone wants good food — and getting it flown in is extra cool. Once some of them got a taste, they were super appreciative.”

For Wang, the mission isn’t about recognition.

“We’re going to do everything in Florida that we can and hopefully inspire people to do more,” he said. “We have all the TSA agents that we have to feed — and this is just step one.”

Wang said he hopes his efforts will inspire others to follow suit, and remind them that air traffic controllers deserve not only thanks, but also respect.

His mission continued Wednesday with a delivery to Bradenton International Airport in Sarasota, and flights to St. Pete-Clearwater International and Southwest Florida International airports are planned for Thursday and Friday respectively.

Wang said he hopes to deliver food to more than 85 air traffic controllers by the end of the week.