In a compassionate response to the ongoing government shutdown, which has left thousands of families struggling with food insecurity, SZA‘s Not Charity has partnered with Los Angeles-based restaurant Jon & Vinny’s to distribute 1,400 free meals. This initiative aims to support individuals whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are dwindling amidst the longest government shutdown in history.

The collaboration was announced by SZA herself and Jon & Vinny’s on Monday, November 10th. SZA expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Yall know how much I love Jon and Vinny’s !! But it ain’t no fun if the Homies can’t have none !!” The restaurant echoed this sentiment, detailing the program: “Last week @sza reached out to us with an idea and now, with her help, it’s a reality. Over the next 7 days we are partnering with her NOT Charity to provide 1400 free meals (100 dinners for 2 per day) for Los Angeles community members who receive SNAP.”

From Tuesday, November 11th, through Monday, November 17th, meals will be available daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jon & Vinny’s location at 4400 W. Slauson Ave. SNAP recipients are encouraged to sign up by emailing [email protected], with a limit of up to four meals per family. This effort directly addresses the dire situation faced by some of the 42 million families dependent on SNAP assistance.

The backdrop to this charitable act is the severe political standoff that has led to a record 42-day government stoppage. The Trump administration has persistently sought to freeze full payments from the federal food aid program, despite lower courts ruling against such measures. As the Associated Press reported, the administration returned to the Supreme Court on Monday, with a ruling anticipated on Tuesday, November 11th, to challenge these lower court decisions. The administration argues that maintaining full SNAP funding during the shutdown could impede ongoing negotiations in Congress aimed at resolving the impasse.

The impacts of this prolonged shutdown are widespread, pushing many families to skip meals or rely on local food pantries to feed themselves. Beyond food security, the impasse has led to massive air-traffic interruptions and placed millions at risk of losing various forms of government assistance, all as winter approaches just two weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday. In an effort to end the crisis, the Senate passed legislation on Monday, which now awaits approval from the House of Representatives. Jon & Vinny’s concluded their announcement by urging the community to “Please spread the word to those in need. Thank you SZA for inspiring all of us to be there for our neighbors.”