On Friday, President Trump announced that the United States' longest government shutdown would temporarily end to alleviate travel industry issues like flight cancellations that arose because of the shutdown.
Even though the government shutdown has been lifted, it doesn't negate the fact that thousands of workers went without paychecks for over 30 days and still need assistance. This is why United Airlines announced on Friday that they're donating $1 million to Feeding America's "Shutdown Response Fund."
Feeding America's "Shutdown Response Fund" is providing food for families of federal employees who didn't receive paychecks during the shutdown, like TSA and Homeland Security employees.
United Airline CEO Oscar Munoz said in a statement, "On behalf of the United family, I would like to thank the countless federal employees who have made a large sacrifice to ensure our safety despite not being paid, and we hope this contribution provides them much-needed support."
"Even with today's announcement, there is continued need among federal employees, in addition to the important programs that Feeding America administers."
He added, "We continue to urge our leaders to work in a bipartisan way over the coming weeks to ensure the long-term certainty on which our industry and the overall economy depends."
United has been working with Feeding America throughout the shutdown such as by setting up food distribution centers at United's seven hubs and at LaGuardia Airport.
"Feeding America is thankful to our long-time partner, United Airlines, for stepping up, yet again, to help families in need. Even after the government is re-opened, many hardworking families will likely suffer the lingering impact of this crisis," Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said.
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