Overview

• New York City Mayor Eric Adams defends a $53 million pilot program to provide prepaid debit cards to migrant families, aiming to cut food delivery costs and reduce waste.
• The program will initially benefit 500 migrant families, offering them about $350 a month for food and baby supplies, significantly more than SNAP benefits for low-income New Yorkers.
• Critics argue the program unfairly benefits migrants over local citizens, with some suggesting the funds could better serve New York's public services or school nutrition programs.
• The prepaid debit cards are intended for use at specific retailers for food and baby supplies, with participants required to sign affidavits affirming their intended use.
• If successful, the program could expand, potentially saving New York City over $7 million annually.