Kristina Roberts
Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in big movies, has joined a group of famous actors, musicians, and celebrities to send a strong message to the US Congress. They are asking the government not to cut important programs that help poor Americans, especially the food stamp program known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. These programs provide food and healthcare to millions of struggling families, and Johansson and others believe cutting them would hurt many innocent people.
The letter, written together with Feeding America, a charity that helps fight hunger, was signed by more than 30 well-known personalities. It was addressed to all 535 members of Congress, urging them to think carefully before making any changes to President Donald Trump’s budget plan that could reduce funding for these programs. The letter explains how food is not just about survival but also about love, care, and dignity. It says, “Dear Members of Congress, We all have powerful memories of sharing meals with friends, with family and even with strangers in moments of celebration, grief or everything in between. Food is a beautiful way humans show care, compassion and love to those around us. It’s a fundamental part of the human experience and a basic right we all deserve.”
The celebrities reminded Congress that around 15.5 million children and 7.2 million elderly people depend on SNAP and Medicaid to live healthy lives. Without these programs, many families would struggle to afford food and medical care. The letter warns that if Congress approves the proposed budget cuts, it could be one of the biggest reductions in food and healthcare support in US history. This would leave hundreds of thousands of Americans without enough food, which the letter calls “unacceptable and wrong.” It adds, “This is not how people in this country treat each other when facing hard times.”
Scarlett Johansson, who is now one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, knows what it’s like to grow up with financial struggles. In 2023, she shared her own story in another letter supporting Feeding America. She explained that she and her twin brother, Hunter, were raised in a family that relied on government help. She wrote about how free school lunches were a big part of her childhood. “Now, as an adult, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for those meals,” she said. “My family relied on public assistance, and the meals I ate at school were part of the free school lunch program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to students from low-income families.”
Johansson’s personal experience makes her especially passionate about this cause. She understands how small acts of kindness, like a free meal at school, can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Many other celebrities who signed the letter also believe that helping the poor is not just the government’s job but a responsibility that everyone should share. They argue that cutting food stamps and healthcare support would only make life harder for those who are already struggling.
The letter does not just criticize the government but also reminds lawmakers about the values of kindness and fairness. It asks them to imagine what it would be like to go hungry or to watch a loved one suffer because they couldn’t afford food or medicine. The celebrities hope that by speaking up, they can convince Congress to protect these programs and keep supporting families in need.
This is not the first time Hollywood stars have used their fame to speak out about important social issues. Many actors and musicians believe that because they have a large audience, they should use their voices to help others. Johansson, in particular, has been involved in several charity efforts over the years. She has supported organizations that help children, fight poverty, and promote women’s rights. Her latest effort, joining this letter, shows that she has not forgotten her roots and still cares deeply about people who are less fortunate.
The debate over government spending on social programs is a big topic in US politics. Some people believe that cutting these programs will save money, while others argue that it will only create more problems by increasing poverty and hunger. The celebrities who signed this letter are clearly on the side of protecting these programs. They believe that no child or elderly person should ever go hungry in a country as wealthy as America.
As Congress continues to discuss the budget, the voices of these famous figures may help bring more attention to the issue. Many Americans who depend on food stamps and Medicaid may not have the power to influence politicians, but when well-known personalities like Scarlett Johansson speak up, it can make a difference. The hope is that lawmakers will listen and choose compassion over budget cuts.
In the end, the message is simple: food and healthcare are basic human rights, and no one should be denied them just because they are poor. Johansson and the other celebrities are using their platform to remind the government of this important truth. Whether or not Congress will listen remains to be seen, but their effort is a powerful stand against injustice.
For now, millions of families across America are waiting anxiously to see what happens. If the budget cuts go through, many could lose the help they desperately need. But if the voices of compassion win, then perhaps these vital programs will continue to provide a lifeline for those who need it most. Scarlett Johansson and her fellow celebrities are doing their part to make sure that happens. The rest is up to the people in power.
