Jimmy Kimmel Opens Food Bank in Response to Government Shutdown
Jimmy Kimmel has launched a food bank named The Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank outside his Los Angeles studio. This initiative aims to provide pantry staples to families struggling amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The name of the food bank appears to be a direct reference to President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Kimmel’s drive responds to the hardship faced by millions of Americans trying to feed their families during this crisis.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Food Assistance
With the shutdown lasting over a month, around 42 million Americans relying on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have not received their expected payments. The interruption has severely limited their ability to buy groceries.
Additionally, 1.4 million federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay as political deadlock continues.
Legal Actions Affecting SNAP Funding
On Thursday, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to secure funding for full SNAP benefits for November.
Donald Trump had previously suggested the program might not be funded at all, but this was quickly retracted by the White House, which then promised to cover 65 percent of the maximum benefit.
Meanwhile, cities and nonprofit organizations urged the U.S. government to increase its financial support for food assistance programs.
Author’s Summary
Jimmy Kimmel’s food bank highlights the urgent food insecurity caused by the prolonged government shutdown and its impact on millions of Americans dependent on SNAP benefits.