CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 18, 2026 — The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse are stepping up to support federal employees impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Beginning Thursday, March 19, eligible federal employees are invited to receive a complimentary lunch at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. Samaritan’s Purse is also offering a free meal at its Airlift Response Center in Greensboro. A valid federal employee ID will be required.
“We are grateful for the federal workers who dedicate themselves to serving in these roles that our country depends on,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the BGEA, a global evangelism organization, and Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian disaster relief organization. “We want to serve them and thank them as they go through a challenging time. We want them to know that we care—and most importantly, that God loves them and cares about them.”
Crisis-trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team will be available in Charlotte and Greensboro to encourage and pray with federal employees.
During the previous government shutdown in November, BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse served approximately 2,800 free lunches to federal staff.
Additional Details
- Who is eligible: Available to federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Must hold a valid government ID.
- When:
- Beginning Thursday, March 19
- Seven days a week during duration of the shutdown
- Lunch hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where:
- Billy Graham Library: Parking lot at 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217
- Samaritan’s Purse Airlift Response Center: Samaritan Ln., Greensboro, NC 27409
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. From its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale outreaches led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; the Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, North Carolina; SearchforJesus.net, an internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the internet. For more information, please visit billygraham.org. Get news updates on X at x.com/BGEAnews.
About Samaritan’s Purse
Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian relief and evangelism organization that responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations—especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disaster, disease, poverty, famine, and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org