NYC Ends Controversial Food Voucher Program for Migrant Families
Patrick Callahan
New York City will discontinue a pilot program that provided migrant families with prepaid debit cards for purchasing food, city officials announced Thursday. The program, launched in February 2024, faced criticism over concerns of misuse and preferential treatment for migrants.
New York City’s Food Voucher Program Highlights
Initially intended to reduce food costs for the city and offer migrants more food options.
- The program cost the city approximately $3.6 million overall, with $3.2 million loaded onto cards for over 2,600 families and $400,000 paid to MoCaFi, the company managing the program.
- Families of four received about $350 per week for food and baby supplies, primarily in city-funded hotel accommodations.
Mayor Eric Adams stated the program was “successful,” but the one-year contract with MoCaFi will not be renewed. The program was managed through a no-bid, emergency contract, currently under review by the Department of Investigation.
Migrant Funding Controversies
Chosen on a no-bid basis, Mobility Capital Finance was tasked with administering the program. MoCaFi’s CEO, Wole Coaxum, a supporter of Adams, stated the initiative aligned with the company’s mission to support efficient public spending. Spending on migrant services has been a recurring issue, particularly with other no-bid contracts.
After problems with a $432 million contract with DocGo, the city will revert to meal delivery for migrant families via Garner Environmental Services.
The announcement marks a shift in the city’s approach to asylum services, as New York continues to explore long-term solutions to support the large migrant population while facing scrutiny over contracting practices.
