Although many Mexican families qualify for food stamps, few actually even dare to apply for them given the major obstacle of a large number of parents not having legal residency.

Food stamps would be a big help and a big incentive for Mexican families in New York to buy food; however, few seek out these valuable coupons for fear of not having legal status in the United States.

"There are support programs that try to make sure children are well-nourished, but people don't go because they are afraid," said Blandie Morales, a Mexican activist and leader in New York.

Unlike in years past, current food stamps are included in Medicare cards and can be used like an electronic account in various centers throughout the five boroughs, provided that the people using them were born in the United States.

Morales stressed that while immigrant parents don't have the right to this kind of aid, their children do because they are citizens of this country. "The parents don't receive any assistance at all, but it exists for the children so they can have a better quality of life. Parents should go and apply for food stamps, and renew their application every six months," said Morales. She added that this is a very good option for Mexican immigrant families, especially during trying times when the economic crisis has affected hundreds of thousands in this iron city.