New Yorkers on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could now qualify for an extra $500 monthly.
New York Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that the city is launching a “Money in Your Pockets” initiative in 20 neighborhoods to increase residents’ awareness of the benefits they could claim through the city’s programs.
“I was raised by a single mother who had to work several jobs to make sure my siblings and I had a roof over our heads and food on the table. The hustle was real. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers are still doing the same today and far too many New Yorkers continue to feel that the deck is stacked against them. But our administration won’t allow that to be the case — we are looking out for New Yorkers and working to make this city more affordable,” Adams said in a statement.
More From Newsweek Vault: Checking Account vs. Savings Account: Which is Best for Your Finances?
“Today, we are launching our ‘Money in Your Pockets’ initiative to help New Yorkers find out which benefits they are eligible for and build on the billions of dollars we have helped put into the pockets of hard-working families. We are building a city that expands opportunity and prosperity to every neighborhood and community because New Yorkers deserve their fair share, and we’re going to deliver that to them.”
For SNAP recipients, up to $270 is available monthly to get SNAP-eligible groceries for delivery or pickup. There’s also a 50 percent discount on all purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, saving up to $30 monthly extra.
To be eligible for that Groceries to Go program, you must be a New York City resident and a member of Health + Hospitals NYC Care.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Under a different program, Get the Good Stuff, New Yorkers can get a dollar-for-dollar match on eligible fruits, vegetables and beans. For every dollar spent in SNAP benefits on eligible food, you get $1 added to a “Get the Good Stuff” loyalty card, up to $10 per day.
More From Newsweek Vault: Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks: Learn the Differences
Adams’ administration said New Yorkers have redeemed more than $1 million through this program. Across all programs and benefits, the city anticipates New Yorkers have saved more than $30 billion.
Many New York City residents may be unaware of which benefits they qualify for. The latest initiative targets some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods to help them put more cash in their pockets.
More From Newsweek Vault: Find the Best Free Checking Accounts
“Government is at its best when it’s working in the best interest of the people we are elected or appointed to serve,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin in a statement.
“The ‘Money in Your Pocket’ initiative does exactly that by helping to ensure that New Yorkers receive every single benefit and service for which they are entitled and deserve. Additionally, it enables the Adams administration to build a more affordable and equitable New York City.”
The many programs available include food assistance, child care and housing support. Some other programs include the Big Apple Connect, which offers free high-speed internet and basic TV for public housing residents under a $153 million fund.
There is also $1.9 billion designated for child care vouchers, year-round free tax prep services and roughly $1.8 billion in medical debt relief for 500,000 New Yorkers.
Roughly 1.71 million New York City residents relied on SNAP benefits in 2022, according to city data.
This article was originally published by a www.newsweek.com . Read the Original article here. .