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SZA announced she’s partnering with Los Angeles staple Jon & Vinny’s to provide free meals to local families struggling with food insecurity amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Through her nonprofit NOT Charity, SZA helped launch an initiative that will serve 1,400 free meals — 100 dinners for two per day — to Los Angeles residents who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The meals will be available at Jon & Vinny’s Slauson Ave. location from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Monday, Nov. 17, while supplies last. Families can receive up to four meals each, and those interested can email notcharity@jonandvinnys.com for details.
“Y’all know how much I love Jon and Vinny’s!! But it ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none!!” SZA wrote in a joint Instagram post with the restaurant. “Please spread the word to those in need.”
Jon & Vinny’s — known for its “modern diner” approach to Italian-inspired fare — praised the Grammy winner for turning her idea into action. “Last week @sza reached out to us with an idea and now, with her help, it’s a reality,” the restaurant wrote. “Thank you SZA for inspiring all of us to be there for our neighbors.”
The partnership arrives as California continues to battle the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over a funding directive that cut SNAP benefits by 35% during the shutdown. A federal judge recently sided with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to block the move, calling it “unlawful” and “confusing.”
Still, the standoff has left millions of Americans — including more than 600,000 people in Los Angeles — struggling to afford food. The SNAP program typically serves around 42 million low-income Americans each month, but funding has been partially frozen for weeks due to the political deadlock in Washington.
As of Monday night, the Senate voted to end the 41-day government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — with the House expected to vote next.
Even as Congress works out the details, SZA’s effort proves that community care doesn’t have to wait for politics to catch up.
