The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped in with emergency financial support for communities grappling with what they describe as a "growing hunger crisis" in the United States.
Government Shutdown Fuels Food Insecurity
This charitable intervention comes during the longest government shutdown in American history, which has created weeks of uncertainty for a critical federal food aid programme. The White House has reduced funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP), a vital resource that assists approximately 42 million people—about one in eight Americans.
Archewell Foundation Mobilises Support
Through their non-profit organisation, the Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan have identified six partner charities to receive immediate donations. In a statement, the foundation highlighted the severe situation: "In a moment when families across the United States are struggling to put food on the table, Prince Harry and Meghan have been supporting local communities affected by the growing hunger crisis."
The statement further explained that as the crisis deepens, they are "bolstering those efforts at a larger scale" to help meet the moment, acknowledging that food banks and community organisations are working tirelessly to fill the gap.
The recipients of their support include:
- Project Angel Food, which provides grocery gift cards to clients impacted by the SNAP reductions.
- Lift, an organisation that transfers cash directly to the hardest-hit families for essentials like food, rent, and childcare.
- Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, which delivers meals and groceries to families.
- Our Big Kitchen LA, which prepares and distributes freshly cooked meals.
- Food Forward, which recovers fresh produce from local farms and wholesalers.
- Alma Backyard Farms, which operates pay-what-you-can farms.
The donations were announced on Saturday 08 November 2025, as the US government shutdown continues to place immense strain on millions of Americans facing food insecurity.
