When the Feds Fail: SZA and Deep Roots CPS Farm Lead a Food Revolution

The abrupt federal shutdown, which left millions of Americans facing a pause or reduction in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, created an immediate and devastating hunger gap. As reported by Bossip, this moment of national uncertainty highlighted the critical role that grassroots community leaders and celebrity philanthropists play in maintaining a basic safety net. At the forefront of this effort stands Charlotte, North Carolina's own Deep Roots CPS Farm, whose mission to tackle food insecurity within Black communities aligns perfectly with the humanitarian impulse of global superstar SZA. While SZA mobilized her NOT Charity to deliver high-impact relief on the West Coast, the Jzar family, founders of Deep Roots, were demonstrating the same fierce commitment right in the Queen City. Their actions prove that when federal support wavers, it is the deeply rooted, community-focused organizations and the highly visible voices of advocates that ensure vulnerable families do not go hungry.

Deep Roots CPS Farm, run by Cherie and Wisdom Jzar, serves as a powerful example of self-sustainability and dedication to local empowerment. Long before the SNAP funding crisis hit, the farm had established itself as a cornerstone of the Historic West End community, dedicated to providing fresh, regeneratively-grown produce. When federal uncertainty jeopardized the ability of local seniors—many of whom are on fixed incomes—to purchase necessities, Deep Roots immediately stepped up, committing to give away free bags of produce, including kale, collards, and radishes, to those hit hardest. Farm co-founder Cherie Jzar’s words echo the farm’s core philosophy: "We have always been rooted in the community. We will never stop doing that, no matter if SNAP is paused or continues to go on.” Furthermore, their participation in programs like Double Up Bucks immediately doubles the spending power of EBT users at their farm stand, providing a crucial subsidy independent of the volatile federal funding cycle, proving that local ingenuity can provide both nourishment and dignity.

This local dedication to the immediate needs of families without SNAP benefits finds its national counterpart in SZA's philanthropic efforts. Recognizing the widespread impact of the federal gridlock, the Grammy-winning artist leveraged her platform and resources. SZA's NOT Charity partnered with a beloved Los Angeles restaurant to distribute 1,400 free meals to SNAP recipients who were suddenly cut off from their essential aid. Though separated by distance, the underlying message of both efforts is identical: a refusal to let the most vulnerable members of the community suffer due to systemic failures. The farm’s work demonstrates how critical it is to build and support local infrastructure that can survive political shocks. In contrast, SZA’s work exemplifies how celebrity influence can be quickly channeled to provide emergency relief. Together, the unwavering focus of Deep Roots CPS Farm and the timely action of SZA’s foundation offer a clear, inspiring blueprint for true food justice—a model built on self-reliance, community, and radical compassion.