• large group of volunteers from different organizations stand together smiling after distributing food
  • group of people unloading food truck at mobile distribution
  • Two serious volunteers from different organizations (CCD and NTFB) organizing food.
  • large group of volunteers from different organizations stand together smiling after distributing food
  • group of people unloading food truck at mobile distribution
  • Two serious volunteers from different organizations (CCD and NTFB) organizing food.

Volunteers from Catholic Charities Dallas and the North Texas Food Bank distribute groceries to TSA workers at Dallas Love Field airport.

“Every family is going to receive somewhere between 60 and 75 pounds of food, which means they’re getting shelf stable canned food, potatoes, rice, noodles, beverages… just some staples that we know that will help. It won’t be the complete meal, but it’ll make a big difference.”
Dave Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas

“Every family is going to receive somewhere between 60 and 75 pounds of food, which means they’re getting shelf stable canned food, potatoes, rice, noodles, beverages… just some staples that we know that will help. It won’t be the complete meal, but it’ll make a big difference.”
Dave Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas

Hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at Dallas Love Field continued reporting to work this week despite missed paychecks caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

Local reporting from KERA News and CBS Texas highlighted the growing impact on frontline airport employees across North Texas, many of whom are navigating financial uncertainty while maintaining daily operations.

In response, North Texas organizations mobilized quickly to provide support directly at the worksite.

A Coordinated Response

At Love Field, Catholic Charities Dallas partnered with the North Texas Food Bank to host a mobile food distribution for TSA employees and their families.

The effort reflects a broader pattern of collaboration across North Texas: organizations are combining resources to respond to emerging needs.

By bringing food distribution directly to the airport, the initiative reduced barriers for workers who are continuing to report for duty while managing disruptions at home.

Rather than requiring families to seek out assistance elsewhere, the response brought support directly to their workplace.

three volunteers, two from north texas food bank, and one from catholic charities dallas, standing together smiling while distributing food

Volunteers work together to organize canned goods for airport workers and their families.

Meeting an Immediate Need

TSA officers play a critical role in maintaining airport security, serving as the first point of contact for travelers each day.

When federal funding interruptions affect pay, the consequences extend beyond the workplace, creating immediate challenges for households across the region.

The Love Field distribution was structured to respond within that narrow window, providing access to food and basic necessities at a time when many families are adjusting to delayed income.

Organizers emphasized accessibility and efficiency, ensuring that workers could receive support without disrupting their schedules.

Our Response Strategy: Three Core Priorities

Immediate

Responding within the critical window of missed paychecks

Accessible

Bringing resources directly to the workplace

Dignified

Ensuring families received reliable food with care and respect

Through her case manager, Molly was introduced to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, offered in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank. This program provides monthly food packages to individuals aged 60 and older, ensuring consistent access to essential nutrition.

With this support, Molly was able to significantly reduce both financial stress and uncertainty around her next meal.

In addition to monthly assistance, the Brady Senior Center provided:

Daily congregate meals

A structured and supportive environment

A calendar of local food pantries

A personalized nutrition plan

Our Response Strategy: Three Core Priorities

Immediate: Responding within the critical window of missed paychecks

Accessible: Bringing resources directly to the workplace

Dignified: Ensuring families received reliable food with care and respect

Regional Collaboration

Efforts like the Love Field distribution are made possible through coordination among organizations that serve different roles within the region’s support network.

Food banks provide large-scale sourcing and logistics, while community-based organizations help connect those resources directly to individuals and families.

This type of collaboration allows North Texas to respond quickly when unexpected challenges arise, whether from economic disruption, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

Support from donors and community partners plays a key role in sustaining these rapid-response efforts.

Looking Ahead

Although the long-term timeline of the shutdown remains uncertain, organizations across North Texas continue to monitor needs and adapt their response.

For many workers, access to timely support can help stabilize households during periods of disruption and allow them to continue serving the public.

The response at Love Field offers one example of how coordinated local action can help bridge that gap.

If you or a loved one are struggling with food costs or living on a limited income, help is available.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Explore Senior Services Online
    Learn more about available programs by visiting the Catholic Charities Dallas Senior Services website.
  2. Plan a visit to a senior center
    Visit the Brady Senior Center, or a local senior center to explore programs and services in person.
  3. Meet with a case manager
    At the center, a case manager will explain benefits, help with paperwork, and provide personalized support.
  4. Access programs and services
    After meeting with a case manager at the Brady Center, seniors can begin receiving food and additional resources

Taking the first step can make a lasting difference.

group of people unloading food truck at mobile distribution

Support Rapid Response Efforts Across North Texas

When unexpected challenges arise, coordinated community response makes it possible to meet urgent needs quickly and effectively. Support from donors and volunteers helps ensure that families facing sudden hardship have access to food and essential resources when and where they need it most.