Over the past several months, I’ve noticed a growing number of advertisements promoting free food benefits through the SCN Medicaid program. While this program has been a tremendous help for many families, there is increasing concern that it is being overused by people who may not truly need the assistance.
I personally know families for whom this program has been a lifesaver — new mothers recovering from childbirth, pregnant women facing medical complications, caregivers of children with disabilities, and others going through genuine hardships. For these individuals, the support can make a significant difference.
Unfortunately, as awareness of the program has grown, so has the number of people signing up simply because the benefit is available. I’ve heard of food being ordered and ultimately thrown away, while families with urgent needs are now facing waiting lists and delays in receiving assistance.
Programs like these exist to help those who are struggling. When resources are stretched unnecessarily, it can make it harder for vulnerable families to access support when they need it most. There is also concern that continued overuse could eventually impact funding and the long-term availability of these benefits.
Before applying simply because you qualify, it may be worth asking yourself whether you truly need the assistance or whether those resources could better serve a family facing a more serious challenge.
Sincerely,
CG
Spring Valley
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.
This is totally flawed. The program is helping so many people and giving parnassa to so many new businesses. You think if we stop applying it will ease up? Definitely not! I get calls every day from non Jewish places doing the program. They are telling me I am eligible and want me to sign up through them. Let it bring some help to our community. And let NYS figure out how to make the process not take 2-3 months from application to acceptance.
Of course I’m only referring to those that are legitimately eligible.
Nothing, absolutely nothing in this world is free. The add says let the government pay for it??? Is it coming out of their salaries ? Is Mike Lawler paying? Is Bill Weber paying? Is it coming out of the Mayor of New Squares pocket ?? NOOOO, it’s our tax dollars. It’s my hard earned money going to pay catered meal to people who just don’t need it. People who are playing the system. These ads are disturbing. New York should be investigated like Minnesota. VOTE BLAKEMAN. Stop this Chilul Hashem
Cudn’t agree more…. unfortunately our community is hungry for freebies, like the vouchers which came to an end and p3 and so many more stuff… we abuse the system like P-I-G-S!!
I thought you’d mention the real reason not to sign up. I can really use the help. I’m postpartum and have a child with ASD. Ready made meals sounded like a dream come true.
Until it became a nightmare.
I’m not getting ready made meals, but essentially grocery boxes. With loads of starch, fruit, and vegetables. But hardly any protein. Half the food we need to give away as its items our family won’t eat, or items we have allergies to. We were told we would get any allergy foods, which isn’t the case.
For the last month, I’ve been trying to cancel the program with no luck. They are essentially keeping us hostage. And being that I’m I have a child on the spectrum + a newborn, I don’t have excess energy to deal with this anymore.. the worst part is foods that can cause anaphylactic reactions arriving to my house weekly.
So beware from that end.
I’m in the same situation. A newborn and also a child with special needs, including ASD. I applied through one of the programs. The idea sounded to me like a real dream come true. I barely get to make my family a normal cooked meal. The box I was getting, was also, only grocery items. Mostly Items that looked like they had overstock like fruit syrups, gluten free crackers, etc. I’m currently trying to switch over to a different agency and the first place is making issues and I’m simply on hold now….praying every day to get the services back…if anyone knows where i can contact the higher ups to explain what is happening. I would greatly appreciate.
I received ready made food. We are very picky eaters and I only received for my child . It was tons , so generous and so yummy. Yes I gave plenty away but enjoyed lots of it. I looked at it like an added bonus ,Noone owes me anything although believe.e I can use all the support I can get
Hi, I’m the original poster :). Maybe try switching to Diet Fantasy, I’ve heard good regards from them, and the food they give is ready made, things like chicken, salmon, baked ziti, gf cheesecake etc, and they have a website where you can choose what you’d like to get out of their “menu”. Issue is I’m not sure how good they are in regards to allergies, their foods are generally not labeled with the allergens other than an occasional gluten free sticker.. I also know a struggling family who gets a nice amount of money to buy what they need from Rockland Kosher, probably can use other groceries too, but that might be better for you. Wishing you much hatzlacha!!