United Airlines Is Transforming Its Empty Cargo Facilities Into Food Distribution Centers

Food banks across the nation are putting in extra work to provide for their local communities. In the Houston area, a United Airlines employee took note of this and helped transform cargo facilities into food distribution centers.

ABC13 reported that United Employee Mark Zessin noticed how food bank demand was at an all-time high while traveling has been steadily decreasing due to the current pandemic. The Houston Food Bank even aired a television ad asking for help, which is how Zessin saw how he could get involved.

A spokesperson for The Houston Food Bank told ABC13 that they’re currently working at “150 percent.” Zessin saw the advertisement and realized that their facilities had some resources that could help the organization. “They were quickly running out of room, and it was a challenge to find volunteers given the stay-at-home orders,” he told the outlet.

Now hundreds of United Airlines employees are sorting, packaging, and distributing relief packages to families in need. The team has been making about 6,000 packages per day at their current rate.

As the airline itself is taking a huge financial hit, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank Brian Greene said he’s thankful for the support they’re providing. Along with his current efforts at work, Zessin is in the process of organizing a blood drive and delivering thank you cards to health care workers. After the success of the Houston facility, United is looking to transform its cargo facility in San Francisco into a food distribution center as well.