Aberdeen Regional Airport employee generosity ranks first in Feds Feed Families collection

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Employees at Aberdeen Regional Airport (ABR) collected more than 2,100 pounds of food and other items over a two-month period as part of the annual Feds Feed Families food and supplies drive. Earlier this week, they learned their donations ranked first nationally among airports of similar size.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers spearheaded the collection effort. Other ABR employees who work for Delta Air Lines and Hertz Car Rental also participated. The total amount collected was 2,125 pounds and included non-perishable and fresh food as well as personal hygiene and other related items.

The food collected was recently donated to the Salvation Army in Aberdeen and distributed to benefit the local community. Prior to the start of the drive, TSA worked with the Salvation Army to identify the types of donations that would be most helpful. Specific requests included whole grains, 100 percent fruit juice, vegetables, fruit and bulk baking supplies.

“TSA is proud of the entire team at ABR,” said Mark Heisey, TSA federal security director for South Dakota. “Their commitment to community, generosity and team work is evident and many people will benefit from their donations.”

Feds Feeds Families, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, takes place annually. This year’s drive at ABR ran from August 22 to October 18. The local TSA team has participated annually and this year decided to invite other airport employees to participate with positive results.

Across the country, more than 199 airports participated in 2018, collecting more than 253,000 pounds of food and supplies. TSA ranked first overall in donations and participation among all agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.