Leonardo DiCaprio helps launch $12M fund helping vulnerable populations amid coronavirus

The “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” star is helping to launch America’s Food Fund, of which he’s a co-founder, to help those facing particularly hard times during the global coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press reported Thursday. The fund has already raised $12 million.

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Nelly wears a face mask at the Los Angeles International Airport on Feb. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, Calif.

“In the face of this crisis, organizations like World Central Kitchen and Feeding America have inspired us all with their unwavering commitment to feed the most vulnerable people in need,” DiCaprio, 45, said in a statement, pointing to the hunger relief nonprofits the fund will work with. “I thank them for their tireless work on the frontlines, they deserve all of our support.”

The funds will be directed toward the elderly, those whose jobs are being or have been upended, children reliant on school lunch programs, and low-income families, the organization said, according to the outlet.

In this Feb. 9, 2020, file photo, Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the Oscars in Los Angeles. DiCaprio is helping to launch the $12 million America’s Food Fund aimed at helping low-income families, the elderly and those whose jobs have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Among those teaming up for the launch are philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, Apple and the Ford Foundation.

Comedian Sarah Silverman cheers on front line workers from a balcony on April 20, 2020, in New York City.

Howie Mandel is seen on March 10, 2020, in Los Angeles, Calif. in a full protection suit amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Steve Jobs’ widow Laurene Powell Jobs is the other co-founder of the organization, which will in part be funded by Apple and the Ford Foundation.

“With millions losing their jobs and programs like school lunches in jeopardy, making sure people aren’t going hungry is of the utmost urgency,” the philanthropist said.

“In times of need, a plate of food is both vital nourishment and a message of hope from the community, that we care and we’re here to make sure that tomorrow, things will be better,” World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés said.

At the time of publication, over 998,000 cases of the virus — which causes the illness COVID-19 — and over 51,000 deaths were confirmed worldwide, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine’s Coronavirus Resource Center.