Jimmy Kimmel Opens Food Bank Outside His Studio
Jimmy Kimmel launched a food bank called The Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank outside his Los Angeles studio, taking a pointed jab at President Donald Trump amid the ongoing government shutdown. The initiative offers pantry staples to help alleviate food insecurity caused by this political impasse.
Food Assistance During Government Shutdown
The food drive addresses the hardship faced by 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP benefits, which have been delayed due to the shutdown exceeding one month. This disruption prevents timely payments that families rely on to buy groceries.
Impact on Federal Workers
The crisis worsens as 1.4 million federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay because of the deadlock between political parties.
Judicial Intervention and Government Response
A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to secure funds to fully cover SNAP benefits for November.
Trump had earlier implied he would not fund the program at all, a statement which was quickly walked back by the White House and replaced with a vow to cover 65 percent of the maximum benefit.
Meanwhile, cities and nonprofit groups demanded the federal government increase its contribution, escalating the issue to the U.S. court system.
Author's Summary
Jimmy Kimmel’s food bank highlights growing food insecurity amid a prolonged government shutdown affecting millions and sparking legal battles over SNAP funding.