Filmmaker and philanthropist Tyler Perry has donated nearly $1.4 million to charitable organizations supporting families affected by cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sources say.
Addressing an Alarming Food-Assistance Gap
Perry, speaking in an exclusive to People magazine, said: “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. For millions of people, it could mean extreme hunger. For newborns, it could mean a lack of access to formula.”
He added, “Compassion is not political. It’s humanity and we seem to be missing both right now.”
The funding comes amid a federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1, 2025, which has strained nutrition-assistance programs and left millions of Americans facing uncertainty.
Perry directed his donation to several nonprofits including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels Atlanta, Goodr, Caring for Others, All for Lunch, the Ron Clark Academy, and Baby2Baby in Los Angeles.
These organizations serve children, seniors and low-income households who rely heavily on SNAP benefits. Many of those benefits are now threatened by funding shortfalls.
According to federal estimates, about 42 million Americans could lose access to SNAP benefits in November due to insufficient funding.
Perry, who has publicly spoken about his own past experience with hunger and homelessness, indicated his giving is rooted in those formative experiences. “Tyler knows firsthand what it feels like to be hungry and homeless,” a source close to him told People.
By stepping in, he hopes to fill a gap left by the breakdown in regular benefit delivery. “For newborns, it could mean a lack of access to formula,” he said.
While Perry’s donation will go toward immediate needs such as groceries and meal-services, many experts say broader systemic action is still required to avert widespread food insecurity. Food-banks and community groups nationwide say they are bracing for increased demand.