With dwindling purchasing power, New Yorkers like Mónica Hernández have to visit multiple stores looking for discounts to feed their families.
“Everything is very expensive, and there is not enough money to buy food, especially with inflation that has risen a lot. It is not enough,” said Hernández.
As a supportive measure, the city announced the expansion of its food benefits program to subscribers of the Humana Medicare Advantage health plan.
Recipients will now be able to show their cards to receive “Greenmarket Bucks” to buy staples like meat, cheeses, eggs, dairy, plus fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at all GrowNYC green markets, farm stands throughout the five boroughs and outlets of the so-called “Fresh Boxes”.
Hernández.
“Our program is very innovative,” said Tutu Badaru, GrowNYC’s deputy director of food access initiatives and partnerships, ensuring that they are actively working to give greater access to fresh, quality food to more residents of the five boroughs.
The director of the Mayor’s Office for Food Policy, Kate Mackenzie, stressed that this expansion occurs at a key moment.
“SNAP program participants are seeing a reduction in their benefits,” the official said, assuring that the Adams administration seeks to stretch the dollars of New Yorkers most in need, including seniors.
“The biggest beneficiaries of the program will be low-income Medicare subscribers over 65 years of age, said the New York City marketing director for Humana insurer, which will now offer these benefits to its members who qualify.
“It’s an excellent idea, since many people who need their daily food can come here to the farmers’ markets and enjoy a fresh and healthy meal,” said Juan Chasi, a farmer’s market employee.
Immediately, this expansion of the GrowNYC program benefits 25,000 people, with more and more as they are signing up for the plans offered by the Humana company.
