SZA is stepping up to support communities most affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
On Monday, Nov. 10, the “Good Days” singer, 36, announced that she — through her NOT Charity non-profit — is teaming up with Los Angeles restaurant Jon & Vinny’s to provide meals for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients impacted by the shutdown.
“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 wrote in a joint Instagram post with the Italian-inspired eatery.
The restaurant, which describes itself as a “modern diner for all-day, Italian-inspired fare,” operates multiple locations across Los Angeles, from Studio City to Slauson Avenue.
“Last week @sza reached out to us with an idea, and now, with her help, it’s a reality,” the restaurant shared in the post.
Through this partnership, SZA and Jon & Vinny’s will distribute 1,400 free meals — 100 dinners for two each day — to Los Angeles residents who receive SNAP benefits over the course of a week.
Recipients can collect their meals at Jon & Vinny’s Slauson location between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., from Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 17. There’s a limit of four meals per family. Those interested in signing up can email notcharity@jonandvinnys.com.
“Please spread the word to those in need. Thank you SZA for inspiring all of us to be there for our neighbors,” the restaurant’s post concluded.
Later on Monday evening, members of the Senate voted to end the government shutdown after 41 days — marking the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to agree on a federal funding plan, according to The New York Times.
The House of Representatives is set to vote next, with proceedings scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, per CNN. One of the key points in the congressional negotiations centered on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
The previous record for the longest U.S. government shutdown occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days — from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019.
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On Nov. 6, U.S. District Judges John McConnell and Indira Talwani ordered the Trump administration to deliver full SNAP payments to states by Friday, Nov. 7.
The following day, the administration requested an emergency pause on the order, citing the shutdown’s impact on their ability to make payments. In an update, officials described the situation as a “crisis” caused by “congressional failure” that could “only be solved by congressional action.”
