Scarlett Johansson and Hollywood Stars Urge Congress to Halt SNAP, Medicaid Cuts
Washington D.C., June 25, 2025 — Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has joined a growing chorus of celebrities calling on Congress to protect essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid from deep budget cuts proposed in former President Donald Trump’s "Big, Beautiful" budget plan.
In an open letter supported by Feeding America and signed by over 30 actors, musicians, and entertainers, the group urges all 535 members of Congress to prioritize the needs of vulnerable Americans, including children, seniors, and low-income families.
“Food Is a Basic Right”: Open Letter Sends Powerful Message
The letter highlights the human and emotional significance of food, stating:
"We all have powerful memories of sharing meals with friends, with family and even with strangers... Food is a beautiful way humans show care, compassion and love… It’s a fundamental part of the human experience and a basic right we all deserve."
Citing data from Feeding America, the letter notes:
- 15.5 million children
- 7.2 million senior citizens
currently depend on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid for nutrition and healthcare access.
The letter warns that the proposed congressional spending bill would deliver some of the largest cuts in U.S. history, potentially stripping essential services from hundreds of thousands of Americans.
"This is unacceptable and wrong," it continues. "It is not how people in this country treat each other when facing hard times."
Scarlett Johansson: A Personal Connection to Public Assistance
Though now one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, Scarlett Johansson, 40, has been vocal about her humble upbringing.
In a 2023 open letter supporting Feeding America, Johansson recalled growing up with her twin brother, Hunter, in a family that relied on public assistance programs:
"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," she wrote.
"Now, as an adult, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for those meals."
What’s at Stake?
According to advocates and experts:
- SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, helps millions of Americans afford groceries every month.
- Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Proposed cuts could:
- Increase food insecurity, especially among children and elderly
- Limit healthcare access, forcing many to skip treatment or medications
- Place additional strain on schools and community food banks
Celebrities Joining the Cause
Alongside Johansson, several other high-profile names have signed the letter. While the full list hasn’t been made public, the campaign reflects a broader effort among artists and public figures to draw attention to domestic hunger and healthcare inequality.
Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, has played a central role in mobilizing this advocacy campaign. The organization has long warned that budget reductions to SNAP and Medicaid would reverse decades of progress in fighting poverty and hunger in the U.S.
This issue strikes at the heart of national debates on:
- Economic inequality
- The role of government in public welfare
- How America treats its most vulnerable citizens
With Congress set to finalize budget discussions in the coming weeks, the voices of celebrities like Scarlett Johansson may help galvanize public attention and pressure lawmakers to reconsider the scale of proposed cuts.
Final Thoughts
At a time when one in eight Americans faces food insecurity, this joint appeal from Hollywood’s elite seeks to protect programs that serve as lifelines for millions. As Johansson and others remind the nation, access to food and healthcare is not a luxury — it’s a basic human right.