Scarlett Johansson shares personal struggle, signs letter urging Congress to protect food stamp program

Scarlett Johansson, 40, has joined an ensemble of Hollywood celebrities in signing a letter to Congress members. According to People Magazine, they are requesting Congress to resist slashing vital programs and essentials for underprivileged American citizens.

The official letter, in partnership with Feeding America, requests that lawmakers in the country not cut funding for SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid programs in the next federal budget.

Scarlett also looked back on growing up and eating hot meals for lunch with her twin brother, like other classmates.

She signed the letter and joined a group including over 30 actors, musicians, and celebrities.

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A look at Scarlett Johansson signing a letter urging Congress to protect essential programs

The letter, signed by several Hollywood royalty, is addressed to 535 members of Congress in the U.S.

The group of celebrities urged the members to prioritize the lives and needs of vulnerable American citizens. They want the political party to refrain from deducting funding for SNAP and Medicaid programs as they work on preparing Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful" budget framework.

Dedicated to "Dear Members of Congress," the letter addressing Congress members reads:

"We all have powerful memories of sharing meals with friends, with family and even with strangers in moments of celebration, grief or everything in between. Food is a beautiful way humans show care, compassion and love to those around us. It’s a fundamental part of the human experience and a basic right we all deserve."

It also explains that 15.5 million children and 7.2 million seniors in the country depend on SNAP and Medicaid programs. The document further adds:

"These programs make it possible for them to live more healthily and with dignity, in turn helping communities across America to thrive."

Additionally, the letter alleges that the spending bill will cause:

"Some of the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in U.S. history."

It may also affect food security for hundreds of thousands of citizens. The statement reads:

"This is unacceptable and wrong. It is not how people in this country treat each other when facing hard times."

Th list of Hollywood stars who have signed the letter are Adina Porter, Alan Cumming, Bianca Lawson, Liza Colon-Zayas, Chrishell Stause, Connie Britton, Dan Bucatinsky, Danai Gurira, Danielle Brooks, Kelvin Beachum, Daniella Pineda, David Arquette, Don Johnson, Karen Pittman, Kristin Chenoweth, Lana Parrilla, Matt Damon, Liev Schreiber, Michael Chiklis, Michelle Williams, Minka Kelly, Nancy Travis, Paul Scheer, Ron Pope, Rosario Dawson, Ryan Eggold, Samantha Harris, Johansson, Sheryl Crow, Zayn Malik and Zoey Deutch.

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Scarlett Johansson shared her personal story

Today, the Lost in Translation star is one of Hollywood's most successful actresses. However, her childhood was quite the opposite of her present glamorous and luxurious lifestyle.

As per People Magazine, Scarlett Johansson wrote a letter for Feeding America and reflected on spending her childhood years with her twin brother, Hunter. She spoke about living her life just like other "pretty normal kids." She penned an emotional note:

"Now, as an adult, I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for those meals. 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."

Expressing her gratitude, Johansson further wrote:

"With those meals, my brother and I had the nourishment and energy to get through our day of learning and playing, and do all the things healthy kids get to do. And that food supported my growth outside school, too. Being fed and healthy helped fuel my involvement in theater and the arts as a kid, which fostered my love for acting."

Her life has transformed after stepping into the Hollywood industry. She experienced a whole new perspective after her kids. On August 30, 2014, she welcomed her daughter Rose Dorothy. Johansson had her first child with her ex-husband, Romain Dauriac. After marrying Colin Jost, she became the mother to their son Cosmo Jost, who was born in August 2021.

As a mother, she realizes the significance of food security and its necessity in every child's health, life, and upbringing. The Black Widow star also wrote for Feeding America:

"I can only imagine the relief my parents felt, knowing my siblings and I had access to meals at school. Every day, parents are there for their children — to celebrate their successes and support them on their journeys — and no parent should have to worry about where their children’s next meal is going to come from."

She concluded her heartfelt letter, sharing:

"I’m proud to support Feeding America – because I believe in a world without food insecurity. I believe in a world where kids have food on their plates and full stomachs. Where children thrive and grow and do amazing things – with food to fuel every moment of laughter, discovery and success."

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