The City Council is partnering with supermarket chains throughout Brooklyn and New York City to encourage those who qualify to register for food stamps.

Officials say many Brooklyn residents qualify for food stamps but do not take advantage of the program. The new initiative will advertise how residents can apply. Supermarkets are putting information in grocery store circulars and fliers.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn says she hopes the campaign will make it easier for people to register. Lawmakers also say they hope people will realize that the program has changed; food stamps now come in debit card form. They say pride should no longer be an issue.