Puerto Rico food insecurity affects 40.8% of adults

A new study titled ‘Informe de Seguridad Alimentaria en Puerto Rico 2026’ reveals that 40.8% of adults in Puerto Rico face some degree of food insecurity. The research, conducted by an alliance including Espacios Abiertos, Fundación Triple-S, and Nutriendo Puerto Rico, breaks this figure down into 30.5% experiencing low food security and 10.3% experiencing very low food security.

The report emphasizes that food insecurity is a critical social, economic, and public health challenge. Beyond mere food availability, the study highlights nutritional security, noting that 51.9% of surveyed adults reported difficulties obtaining and consuming nutritious foods to support their family's well-being. Among those facing difficulties, 91.7% identified the high cost of nutritious food as a primary barrier.

Economic pressures are significant, with 46.7% of respondents stating that food in their household did not last long enough and they lacked money to purchase more in the last 12 months. Additionally, 43.4% reported being unable to consume balanced meals due to financial constraints. The study recommends strengthening local food production and distribution, modernizing the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN), and improving information systems to enhance emergency responses and access to healthy food.