As food banks see increased need, United Airlines converts cargo facilities into food distribution centers
Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, a Houston-based United employee who usually handles baggage is now leading a companywide effort to transform empty cargo facilities into food distribution centers.MORE: San Antonio drive-thru food bank gives groceries to thousands of families
The Houston food bank had put in a request for 400 members of the National Guard to help them with distribution, and some of their partners that had given them space in the past -- soup kitchens and food pantries -- were forced to close their doors due to the virus. While the need for food continued to increase at the food bank, demand for travel in the U.S. reached record lows. Zessin noticed many of his fellow employees at George Bush Intercontinental Airport had extra down time at work as the number of travelers dwindled."They were quickly running out of room, and it was a challenge to find volunteers given the stay-at-home orders," Zessin told ABC News."I thought we may have some assets they could use.
"Mark is too humble to say this, but he has led these efforts," Houston airport United Communications Manager David Gonzalez said."This wasn't the only idea Mark brought forth, but it's the biggest one so far."
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