Jimmy Kimmel Opens Food Bank Outside His Studio to Help Amid Government Shutdown
Jimmy Kimmel has launched a food bank outside his Los Angeles studio as a response to the hardships caused by the ongoing government shutdown. His initiative, called The Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank, aims to provide pantry essentials to those affected.
The name references President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," highlighting Kimmel's pointed critique during a time when millions of Americans face food insecurity.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Food Assistance
The shutdown, lasting over a month, has created serious uncertainty for 42 million Americans depending on SNAP benefits for groceries. Payments were not deposited, exacerbating the struggle to feed families.
Additionally, 1.4 million federal workers have been furloughed or required to work without pay amid the political impasse.
Legal and Political Developments
A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to secure funding to fully cover November SNAP benefits.
Trump had initially suggested funding for the program might be withheld entirely, but the White House quickly retracted, pledging to cover 65% of the maximum benefit.
Meanwhile, cities and nonprofit organizations petitioned the U.S. government for increased federal support on Thursday.
Summary
Jimmy Kimmel's food bank offers direct aid to those impacted by the shutdown's disruption of federal food programs and wages, reflecting broader tensions over government funding.
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