In New York City, a substantial sum is allocated each month for migrant meals, but a significant portion of these meals are not consumed and end up in the trash. This information comes from internal records of the company involved, as examined by The New York Times.
The provider of these meals is DocGo, a firm primarily focused on medical services. DocGo secured a hefty $432 million contract from the city government, an agreement made without competitive bidding and despite the company’s lack of experience in migrant care.
For each migrant under its supervision, DocGo receives a daily allowance of up to $33 to supply three meals. Between October 22 and November 10, DocGo’s internal records, which The Times obtained, show over 70,000 meals marked as “wasted.”
Migrants residing in hotel shelters across upstate and western New York have voiced dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the substandard quality of food.
This issue not only brings into question the city’s management of the contract with DocGo but also the standard of care provided to the migrants. It underscores the opacity and lack of accountability in the procurement process that enabled DocGo to acquire the contract despite its inexperience.
DocGo’s potential profit from these unused meals is a point of concern. The company can claim up to $11 for each meal, suggesting significant earnings even from discarded food. This situation raises doubts about DocGo’s intentions and whether its focus lies more on financial gain than on migrant welfare.
The squandering of thousands of meals has wider repercussions. It represents an inefficient use of public funds and a failure in delivering essential services to migrants in need. This issue is indicative of a broader systemic flaw in New York City’s approach to migrant care, underscoring the need for enhanced oversight and responsibility in such contracts.
The New York Times’ probe into this matter brings to light a troubling trend that has remained under the radar. Prompt action by the city is crucial to address this problem, ensuring that DocGo is held accountable and that migrant meals are not frivolously discarded in the future.
