5 Black Celebs Helping Out SNAP Recipients During the Government Shutdown
SZA, Tyler Perry and Monica are among the Black celebrities who are stepping up to help SNAP recipients whose benefits have been cut. The post 5 Black Celebs Helping Out SNAP Recipients During the Government Shutdown first appeared on The Root.
Black News 
As the country endures one of the longest government shutdowns in history, millions of Americans have been feeling the impact following the slashing of SNAP, the country’s largest food assistance program. The cuts have been particularly devastating to the most vulnerable, including families with children, the elderly and the disabled.
With the holiday season around the corner, Black celebrities have stepped up in a major way to help the millions of Americans who have been impacted by the cuts to the SNAP program. SZA, Tyler Perry and Charlamagne Tha God are just a few of the Black stars who are helping to keep families fed.
SZA
In a Nov. 10 Instagram post, the singer and actress announced that her NOT nonprofit was partnering with Jon & Vinny’s Italian restaurant in Los Angeles to provide 1,400 free meals to LA SNAP recipients between November 11 and 18.
“Y’all know how much I love Jon and Vinny’s !! But it ain’t no fun if the Homies can’t have none !!” she captioned the post.
Tyler Perry
The “Straw” filmmaker has donated nearly $1.4 million to nonprofits that support families who have been impacted by a reduction in SNAP benefits, including Meals on Wheels Atlanta and Atlanta Community Food Bank. Perry has been open about his personal struggles, including being unhoused for a period before his first big break. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, he expressed the importance of food assistance programs like SNAP.
“If you’ve never been poor, then you may not fully understand the life-changing impact SNAP benefits mean to hard-working people, to our seniors and to our children,” he said.
Monica
On Nov. 26, R&B singer Monica and her husband Ant Wilson will partner with Atlanta radio station V-103 for Feeding Atlanta, an event to distribute hot meals at the Municipal Court of Atlanta.
Charlamagne Tha God
“The Breakfast Club” host has been helping families in his native South Carolina, donating to a non-profit to help feed more than 200 local families.
He also worked with Food Bank NYC to donate 25,000 meals in the Big Apple with a promise to match other donations made up to 25,000.
“For many families, Thanksgiving may be off the table,” he said. “We’re talking about working families, children, and seniors who depend on SNAP just to get by, and now they’re facing the possibility of having nothing. I’m matching donations to remind people that New Yorkers take care of our own.”
Keith Lee
@keith_lee125 How Many Brands Can We Get In The Chat ?
♬ original sound – Keith LeeHappy Holidays
Food critic and social media influencer Keith Lee has been using his massive platform to raise awareness around food insecurity. He called on restaurants and other food brands to donate to families in need.
“It’s the holidays coming up…I want brands to comment that are willing to give away meals with me,” he said. “I refuse to take any money. I don’t want money. I don’t want anything,” he said on TikTok.
The post 5 Black Celebs Helping Out SNAP Recipients During the Government Shutdown first appeared on The Root.
