Despite criticism, New York City officials have already begun handing out pre-paid credit cards to migrants for food. The Immediate Response Cards are being hand-delivered at the Roosevelt Hotel and distributed by Mobility Capital Finance staff directly to asylum seekers receiving financial assistance.In response to an overwhelming demand for food, and reports of food being wasted at shelters, the $53M contract will help subsidize their food and supplies.
We're going to save $600,000 a month, $7.2 million a year," Adams told FOX 5 NY last month.New York City has allocated $53 million to the pilot program, which officials say will save $600,000 per month and $7.2 million annually. The program will start with 500 migrant families with children already living in short-term hotels.The cards can only be used at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores.