World Central Kitchen, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, is helping to organize free meals for TSA agents in Houston.

World Central Kitchen, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, is helping to organize free meals for TSA agents in Houston.

Photo courtesy World Central Kitchen

As the partial government shutdown lingers and Transportation Security Administration workers continue to go without pay, Houston-area restaurants are stepping up to support them. 

While security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport have climbed to four hours or more, some restaurants in the Houston area have offered free meals at their restaurants or are delivering meals to the workers. 

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Why is this happening? 

TSA workers have gone without pay since mid-February, when funding lapsed for the Department of Homeland Security, which operates TSA. 

This had led to TSA staff quitting or calling out from work, causing staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints at U.S. airports including in Houston, where there are some of the longest wait times in the country this week. 

Early Friday, the Senate approved funds to pay TSA workers and other agencies, but not immigration enforcement, the Associated Press reported. The House is set to consider the funds Friday. 

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But until the funding impasse ends, Houston restaurants are cooking up extra for the security personnel working without pay. 

Here are some of the restaurants helping support TSA workers. 

Help from World Central Kitchen

The nonprofit World Central Kitchen, which typically provides food during disasters or economic crises, has partnered with five Houston restaurants that are cooking meals for the TSA agents. 

The Washington, D.C.-based group was founded in 2010 by Spanish American chef and restaurateur José Andrés following an earthquake. The group has worked in Texas during the Kerrville floods and Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

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Samantha Elfmont, U.S. response director, said the partnership has provided 7,310 meals at Hobby and Bush airports. The organization has delivered meals to Hobby and Bush twice a day daily since March 13. 

Their Houston restaurant partners, which prepare the meals using funds from the nonprofit, include Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, Mexican restaurant Cochinita and Co., Asian American restaurant Jun, Craft Pita, and P. Terry’s Burger Stand. 

“We monitor the longer-term shutdowns. The TSA workers went six-plus weeks without pay back in October and November,” she said. “These are the same people who show up everyday making sure we are protected and safe as we travel.” 

In the fall they were in Washington, D.C. This time they chose Houston because of the long wait times and large number of call outs among TSA staff.

“We have a soft spot for Texas and we want to step up where we can,” she said. The group is here for the duration of the shutdown, she said, and is looking to add restaurant partners. 

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Restaurants can contact press@wck.org to participate. 

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Joe’s Italian Restaurant

Owner, Joe Haliti, in Conroe is known for his generosity with his food, especially in times of crisis. He has regularly donated meals to first responders and law enforcement and often gives out free meals to the community on holidays. 

During this time, he is offering free meals to TSA workers. 

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“Every day you show up, make sacrifices, get the lines going and keep the travelers safe that does not go unnoticed,” he said in a Facebook post on the restaurant’s page. “As a small token of our appreciation we here at Joe’s Italian would be honored to treat you to a meal on us. Please stop by and enjoy.” 

Joe’s Italian Restaurant is at 1604 N. Frazier in Conroe. 

Pluckers Wing Bar 

The Texas-based restaurant Pluckers Wing Bar is offering free meals to TSA agents for the duration of the shutdown, according to a post from the restaurant chain. 

“During this challenging season, we want to show our appreciation to some of those who are making it all possible,” according to the post. “Thanks to all the TSA Officers that are helping families reach their loved ones.”

The offer is dine-in only and TSA employees must show an ID badge for the meal of up to $17.Â