By Zoe Papadakis | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 12:38 PM EST
Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live, initiated a food drive to support Los Angeles families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. The “Jimmy Kimmel Live Big, Beautiful Food Bank” will operate at the show’s Hollywood backlot, collecting donations for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and St. Joseph Center.
The donation site, located at 6901 Hawthorn Avenue, will accept contributions daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kimmel highlighted the need for low-sodium soups; canned or pouched tuna, chicken, or salmon; nut butters; low-sugar cereals; protein bars; and whole-grain pasta and rice, alongside household goods and personal-care items like diapers, wipes, soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
The initiative comes as millions of Americans face potential disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Kimmel’s efforts follow his recent return to air after a six-day suspension over remarks about conservative leader Charlie Kirk’s death. During a Sept. 17 monologue, he criticized Trump supporters for attempting to reframe Kirk’s accused killer “as anything other than one of them,” accusing conservatives of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
Kimmel later defended his comments, claiming critics had “intentionally and maliciously mischaracterized” him, and stated he sought only to “correct” the record. The food drive will remain active throughout the shutdown to collect donations.
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has worked as a reporter, writer, and editor for newspapers, magazines, and websites.
