Comedian and actor Michael Che has publicly condemned the negative reactions surrounding the recent end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In a post shared on Instagram, he expressed his disapproval of what he described as “mean-spirited celebrations” regarding the loss of government assistance for grocery purchases, labeling the situation as “really f**ked up.”
Che’s comments came after he observed numerous videos that appeared to celebrate the inability of families—predominantly from Black communities—to afford groceries following the SNAP benefits freeze. He highlighted the troubling nature of such responses, emphasizing that the joy expressed by some over the hardships faced by vulnerable families was deeply unsettling.
“It’s this weird idea that since some people have taken advantage of welfare benefits in the hood, NOBODY should receive help, at all?” Che wrote. He further criticized societal attitudes that disproportionately judge low-income individuals who find ways to manage their limited resources, contrasting it with the actions of wealthier individuals who exploit systems for personal gain.
Che Reflects on Personal Experience with Assistance
In his post, Che, who has been a prominent figure on Saturday Night Live for over a decade and served as co-head writer from 2017 to 2022, shared his own experiences with government assistance during his childhood. He recounted moments of feeling shame while using food stamps, describing the realities of growing up on “free cheese and powdered milk.”
“That s**t ain’t as glamorous as it sounds. I promise,” Che noted, providing a personal perspective on the struggles faced by families who rely on such assistance. His candidness sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges associated with poverty and the stigma that can accompany receiving help.
By sharing his thoughts, Che aims to foster a more compassionate understanding of those affected by the loss of SNAP benefits. His message calls for empathy rather than judgment, urging society to reconsider the narratives surrounding welfare and the individuals who depend on it for survival.
As the conversation continues, Che’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing the complexities of poverty and the impact of policy changes on vulnerable communities.
