Morrisville restaurant feeds TSA workers for free during government shutdown
As the country is nearly 31 days into the partial government shutdown, a number of restaurants across the Triangle have found ways to help furloughed workers.
Patti Graham's restaurant Yin Dee is just a five-minute drive from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
After she realized her location presented the opportunity to help TSA workers, she invited them to eat for free as they pass by on their way to and from work.
"My husband and then my brother mentioned we should do something. The airport is not far," Graham said.
Graham is now offering a free meal, of up to $8, to any furloughed worker who shows their badge.
"So they can get a good meal. A lot of our dishes here aren't really much over $9, so it's nice and filling," she said. "You get your carbs, your protein, your veggies."
Graham said if anyone was going to step up to help, why not her.
She said she loves watching people enjoy her food, and get a taste of the Laos culture.
"I have food. We love to cook. It's one of the things all of us can share. It's one the labors we want to give out," Graham said.
Graham said she's able to afford this and some people leave extra tips to help cover the cost.
She plans to continue the free meals even a week or so after the shutdown ends.
