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Winfrey, one of America's richest and most
influential women, made the announcement on her social media
platforms.
"I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this
pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew
up," she said. Winfrey, 66, was born into poverty in Mississippi
and raised in Milwaukee and Tennessee.
Part of the money will go towards the new initiative called
America's Food Fund, launched in conjunction with Apple Inc, the
Ford Foundation, Laurene Powell Jobs and actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
It will help feed those most impacted by the coronavirus
epidemic in America, including children who rely on school lunch
programs, low-income families, the elderly, and individuals
facing job disruptions.
"I still remember growing up with my mother in Milwaukee when we
were all out of welfare and sometimes we needed assistance for
our family just to survive. At times like this, so many more
people are vulnerable," Winfrey said.
She did not say where she would direct the bulk of her $10
million donation.
Winfrey made her announcement the same day as U.S. data showed
that a record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment last
week.
Winfrey last month launched a weekly series on Apple's new
streaming service, Apple TV+, called "Oprah Talks COVID-19," in
which she speaks over video platforms with spiritual leaders and
others about how to get through the crisis.
Winfrey, who ended her popular television talk show in 2011
after 25 years, signed a development deal with Apple in 2018 to
produce original content for the streaming service.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Richard Chang)
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