Int 1080-2023

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 21 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 21-131.3 to read as follows: � 21-131.3 Information on emergency feeding programs, food benefits programs, and senior centers. a. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings: ACCESS HRA. The term "ACCESS HRA" means the website and mobile application in which individuals obtain information on and apply for some HRA benefits, and HRA clients obtain certain HRA benefits case information. Emergency feeding program. The term "emergency feeding program" means a food pantry or soup kitchen. Food benefits programs. The term "food benefits programs" means the supplemental nutrition assistance program, administered by the United States department of agriculture; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, administered by the United States department of agriculture; and any successor programs. Job center. The term "job center" means any location designated by the department as a job center where individuals can complete an application for cash assistance in person. Senior center. The term "senior center" has the same meaning as set forth in section 21-201. SNAP center. The term "SNAP center" means any location designated by the department as a SNAP center where individuals can complete an application in person for the supplemental nutrition assistance program, administered by the United States department of agriculture. b. The department shall make information on emergency feeding programs, food benefits programs, and senior centers available on the department's website and through ACCESS HRA, in a format such that users can search for an emergency feeding program, a location for applying for a food benefits program, or a senior center by zip code, hours of operation, status as a senior citizen, and any other relevant category as determined by the commissioner. c. The department shall include a link to the information required by subdivision b of this section on any online platform through which the city disseminates information on social services and benefits. d. The department shall, in coordination with the department for the aging, make written information on emergency feeding programs, food benefits programs, and senior centers available at job centers, senior centers, SNAP centers, and any other relevant locations as determined by the commissioner. Such information shall include but need not be limited to the locations of each emergency feeding program and senior center, the locations for applying for a food benefits program, and the hours of operation of such locations. e. The information required by subdivisions b and d of this section shall be available be in English and in the designated citywide languages as defined in section 23-1101. � 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law. JGP/DR LS #5728/11360/11808 9/6/2023 2:07pm 2 2