Stars Unite to Protect Essential Programs

In a powerful appeal to Congress, celebrities like Zayn Malik, Sheryl Crow, and Scarlett Johansson have joined forces to speak out against proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. Their message is clear: don’t take away critical resources from millions of Americans who depend on these programs to survive.

With the Senate poised to vote on the federal budget bill as early as this week, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Feeding America Leads the Charge

Backed by the non-profit organization Feeding America, which operates a nationwide network of food banks, dozens of high-profile figures have signed an open letter urging lawmakers to reject what’s being called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This bill, introduced by House Republicans, includes new work requirements that could leave approximately 16 million people uninsured by 2034, according to CBS News.

Bill Proposes Harmful Shifts and Deep Cuts

The bill doesn’t just threaten access to healthcare. It also suggests transferring the cost burden of food stamps from the federal government to individual states. However, as reported by the Associated Press, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled that this move would violate Senate rules — a decision that is rarely overruled.

Moreover, NPR has revealed that the proposal includes a massive $290 million cut to SNAP funding. The Congressional Budget Office warns that if the bill is passed, the country’s poorest households could lose about $1,600 annually, while the wealthiest would gain close to $12,000.

“This Is Not Who We Are,” Says Open Letter

The emotional open letter, spearheaded by Feeding America and signed by major celebrities, emphasizes the human need for compassion and support during difficult times. “Food is a beautiful way humans show care, compassion and love to those around us,” the letter states. “It’s a fundamental part of the human experience and a basic right we all deserve.”

The letter further explains how millions of Americans — including 15.5 million children and 7.2 million seniors — rely on SNAP and Medicaid to survive. These programs provide critical support to help people lead healthier lives and uplift communities across the nation.

Zayn Malik, Sheryl Crow, and others call on Congress to oppose cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, noting that the proposed legislation could eliminate 9.5 billion meals annually and force hundreds of thousands off Medicaid, worsening food insecurity.

“This is unacceptable and wrong. It is not how people in this country treat each other when facing hard times,” the letter continues.

A Star-Studded Coalition for Change

Alongside Zayn Malik and Sheryl Crow, many other celebrities added their names to the cause, including Alan Cumming, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, David Arquette, Chrishell Stause, Paul Scheer, and Danai Gurira. Their collective voice sends a powerful message to lawmakers: protecting the vulnerable is a priority.

Full Letter to Congress

Dear Members of Congress,

We all have powerful memories of sharing meals with friends, family, and even strangers — moments that reflect love, celebration, and care. Food is a basic human need and a fundamental part of life.

With rising grocery costs, many Americans cannot afford nutritious food. Millions are unsure of where their next meal will come from, or if it will be enough.

Programs like SNAP and Medicaid are lifelines for more than 15 million children and over 7 million seniors. These supports allow them to live with dignity and stay healthy, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.

Congress is now considering a bill that would make some of the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in U.S. history – taking 9.5 billion meals a year off the table and removing hundreds of thousands from Medicaid.

This is not acceptable. It goes against the very values of community, compassion, and care.

We urge Congress to protect these essential programs that help millions of Americans put food on the table and access healthcare. Do the right thing — reject the proposed cuts.