Tyler Perry is showing his generosity to the most vulnerable members of society.
The filmmaker has donated more than $1.4 Million to several organizations that support families impacted by the possible loss of SNAP benefits.
Atlanta Community Food Bank, Baby2Baby, Meals on Wheels Atlanta, Caring for Others, All for Lunch, Ron Clark Academy, and Goodr received aid.
Perry released an exclusive statement to PEOPLE about the importance of his generous act.
“If you’ve never been poor, then you may not fully understand the life-changing impact SNAP benefits mean to hard-working people. To our seniors and to our children,” Perry said. “For millions of people, it could mean extreme hunger. For newborns, it could mean a lack of access to formula.”
“Compassion is not political, it’s humanity, and we seem to be missing both right now,” Perry continued.
“Tyler knows firsthand what it feels like to be hungry and homeless,” a source explained. “Though he has achieved so much, those feelings never leave you. And when he sees injustices like this, he always feels compelled to help. He is absolutely devastated by what is happening to so many people.”
The government shutdown has created significant uncertainty for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Since its creation, the program has provided food aid to millions of Americans. Because it’s a federal program, a shutdown can prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from issuing benefits for the upcoming month once existing funds are exhausted..
On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits for November by Friday. It rejected the administration’s plan to partially fund the food stamp program for 42 million Americans during the U.S. government shutdown.
People have gone without for too long,” Judge Jack McConnell said during a hearing in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.
The ongoing government shutdown became the longest in American history. It surpassed the 35-day closure during President Donald Trump’s first term in the White House.