SNAP benefits help many Americans cover basic groceries each month. With the government shutdown continuing and those benefits getting reduced and delayed, households across the country are facing new uncertainty around food budgets and timing.
As the situation unfolds in Washington, Jimmy Kimmel and his team decided to take action. Instead of simply watching the news, they are offering support to people feeling the impact.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! hosts a food donation center during shutdown and SNAP benefit cuts
Instead of sticking strictly to comedy, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is stepping in with a food-drive effort to support the community. The show launched the “Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank” and turned part of its Hollywood backlot into a donation center benefiting the Los Angeles Food Bank and the St. Joseph Center.
The show explained the effort in an Instagram post. “Cutting SNAP benefits creates uncertainty for American children, seniors and families. To support our community members in need, we’re starting a donation center in our Hollywood backlot to benefit the @LAFoodBank & @StJosephCtr,” the message read in part.
Jimmy and his team invite people in Los Angeles to stop by and donate if they can. The show also urges viewers outside the city to support their own local food banks. Donors can drop items at 6901 Hawthorn Avenue in Los Angeles from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The effort seeks pantry staples such as low sodium soups, chili, canned tuna or chicken, whole grain pasta, rice, nut butters, protein bars, and low sugar cereal. The drive also accepts essentials like juice boxes, diapers, wipes, lotion, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine products.
This move comes as the shutdown pushes toward record length. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he would hold benefits until “Radical Left Democrats open up government,” even after federal judges ordered emergency funding to be used. The White House later said reduced SNAP benefits would go out, but the recalculation process may cause delays.
While political negotiations continue, Jimmy and his team are giving viewers a way to pitch in. Their donation site aims to offer practical help during a complicated and uncertain time.
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