About 51,000 Transportation Security Administration agents are amid the thousands of federal employees working without pay during the federal government shutdown.

About 20 TSA agents at Trenton Mercer Airport were treated to a free lunch Wednesday in an attempt to lighten the burden a little.

The free pizza came courtesy of the Mercer County Administration and the Sky Lounge restaurant at the airport. The owner, Jimmy Heinz, also reached into his own pocket for lunch until the pay checks start coming once again.

Officials say that it is not much, but it’s just a small gesture to let the TSA agents know that they are appreciated.

“They all have mortgages to pay, they all have rent to pay. They've got kids to feed; they've got all sorts of bills at home that are just now stacking up. I don't know how long that can carry on,” said Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes.

The federal government has been shut down for over two weeks while the Trump administration and House Democrats spar over billions of dollars in funding for a border wall and better security on the United States and Mexico border.

The TSA agents were not able to comment on how it has been working without pay.

But the head of the TSA union said Wednesday that many workers are quitting and more could quit if the shutdown continues. The agency has already been plagued by numerous callouts since the shutdown began.