Jimmy Kimmel Live! has launched a food bank in Hollywood to support families affected by the US federal government shutdown and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The initiative, called the “Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank,” was announced on Instagram on Tuesday, following President Donald Trump’s reaffirmation of plans to block SNAP benefits despite a federal judge’s order to continue the programme.
The donation centre, located on the show’s Hollywood backlot, will benefit the Los Angeles Food Bank and St Joseph Center. Donations of specific items such as crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks, juice boxes, dried fruit, cereal, wipes, nappies, and hygiene products are requested. The post criticised the SNAP cuts, stating they create uncertainty for children, seniors, and families.
President Trump had posted on Truth Social that SNAP benefits would only be restored when Democrats reopen the government, claiming the programme was being abused. Kimmel, a vocal critic of the administration, also mocked Trump’s recent Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party, calling it “the Trumpiest Trump move of all time” given the impending loss of food assistance for millions.
Kimmel’s popularity has reportedly surpassed Trump’s following a dispute in September when his show was briefly taken off air after he criticised the administration’s handling of the killing of activist Charlie Kirk. The Federal Communications Commission chair allegedly threatened ABC affiliates’ licences, but Kimmel was reinstated after six days amid protests and boycotts.
