Jimmy Kimmel might be known for cracking jokes, but this time, the late-night host is all business and all heart.
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As the government shutdown drags on and families across America feel the sting of SNAP benefit cuts, Kimmel is doing more than just talking about it on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he’s stepping in and taking action.
This week, the Emmy-winning comedian announced that he’s opening a food bank right on his Hollywood backlot to support people struggling with food insecurity.
He posted the news to Instagram, writing,
“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. Details below. If you are in LA, please come by to donate food and if you are not, please consider supporting your local food banks.”
He went on to announce the official name and hours:
THE JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE BIG, BEAUTIFUL FOOD BANK
Donation Hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: 6901 Hawthorn Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Kimmel shared a full list of what’s most needed, everything from canned tuna and low-sodium soups to diapers and hygiene products — proving this isn’t just a symbolic gesture. He’s meeting people where the pain really is.
Families Struggling As SNAP Cuts Deepen
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table. But during the ongoing government shutdown, federal funding has been frozen, leaving countless families unsure how they’ll afford basic groceries.
From single parents trying to stretch a week’s worth of meals, to seniors on fixed incomes, the situation has gotten grim. Across the country, local food banks are reporting spikes in demand some even doubling their normal intake as people try to make ends meet without government assistance.
The cuts have hit hardest in Black and Brown communities, where food insecurity was already a challenge before the shutdown. As one Los Angeles mother told a local outlet, “We already had to choose between gas and groceries. Now we’re just trying to make sure our kids eat.”
Trump Holding The Line Amid Growing Pressure
Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump has made it clear he’s not backing down on his demands, even as the shutdown’s effects ripple through everyday lives. Reports indicate that negotiations have stalled yet again, leaving Congress scrambling to find a solution while federal workers remain unpaid and SNAP recipients hang in limbo.
The standoff has sparked outrage across the country. Advocates say it’s unacceptable to hold essential programs hostage for political gain. Yet, despite bipartisan pressure and mounting public frustration, Trump’s team seems determined to “stand firm,” no matter who gets caught in the crossfire.
While politicians argue on Capitol Hill, folks like Jimmy Kimmel are choosing action over apathy. His “Big, Beautiful Food Bank” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to Trump’s own favorite adjectives — is a reminder that compassion can’t wait for Congress to do its job.
In a time when leaders are playing politics with people’s plates, it’s everyday citizens, celebrities, and communities stepping up to feed each other.
Kimmel’s message is simple: if you’ve got it to give, give.
And for the families who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, that help can’t come soon enough.