No more prepaid food cards given to New York migrants

New York City is ending its prepaid card program distributed to migrants so they can buy food, several American media report.

Mayor Eric Adams’ office made the announcement in a written statement.

“As we move forward with more effective programs for asylum seekers, we have chosen not to renew the contract for this pilot project beyond the one-year duration already planned,” he said. he indicated, without specifying the reason behind the cessation of this program.

Under this pilot project, New York issued debit cards to migrant families who stayed in hotel rooms paid for by the City. This measure allowed them to buy food and other essential goods for the babies.

The project had been touted for its ability to save the City money. Instead of wasting money on food they didn’t want, migrants could buy the food they actually wanted to eat.

Since the end of March, New York City has provided $3.2 million in prepaid cards to approximately 2,600 families. They received around $350 per week.