The Australian-based charity, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), provided free meals to furloughed Federal Transport Security Administration (TSA) workers across the United States.

Thousands of hot meals were provided at dozens of major United States airports, to people serving their fellow citizens by working without pay during the partial federal government shutdown.

More than 4,000 free meals in total were served by RRT volunteers over one week at major airports including San Francisco, Philadelphia, Newark, San Antonio, Columbus, Omaha, North Dakota, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Oakland, Des Moines, Detroit, Portland, and Cleveland.

The RRT also worked to coordinate meals for additional TSA workers at LAX, New York, Seattle and Boston.

The RRT, an initiative of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is staffed by Church volunteers who provide catering services during a range of charitable events and emergencies.

Lloyd Grimshaw from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church said the RRT is always looking for opportunities to support to those in need.

“We are Christians and lending a helping hand to those in need is at the core of what we do,” he said.

“The RRT has volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church all over the world – and it was our volunteers in the United States that saw a need and are doing what they can.

“The meals are a small way in which we can show our support for those US government workers who continue to work without pay.

“Obviously the affected workers face challenging financial times, so we genuinely hope the meals we serve will help ease the burden in the smallest way. At least they don’t have to worry about lunch.

“The RRT will continue to work closely with the TSA, and where possible, will further our efforts to feed workers at airports across the United States.”

Every day in some small way, RRT volunteers offer a helping hand to those in need. For more information about the Rapid Relief Team, go to https://www.rapidreliefteam.org/