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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 12 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

Food insecurity and nutritional assistance in Puerto Rico

Overview

In late September 2026, Puerto Rico’s Department of the Family announced additional nutritional assistance payments through the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN). Using unused emergency reserves from 2025, the government scheduled a distribution of approximately $46.78 per person. This followed a larger disbursement of surplus funds from fiscal year 2026 earlier in the month. Concurrently, the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF) began a process to allow merchants to accept online payments via the Family Card.

By October 2026, a study titled ‘Informe de Seguridad Alimentaria en Puerto Rico 2026’ highlighted widespread food insecurity on the island. The report found that 40.8% of adults face some degree of food insecurity, with 10.3% experiencing very low food security. The research noted that 51.9% of surveyed adults struggled to obtain nutritious foods, citing the high cost of healthy food as a primary barrier for 91.7% of those affected. To address these challenges, the study recommended modernizing the PAN program and strengthening local food production and distribution.

Entities

Suzanne Roig Fuertes · Puerto Rico · Department of the Family · Family Socioeconomic Development Administration · Fundación Triple-S

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Puerto Rico food insecurity affects 40.8% of adults

    A study by Espacios Abiertos, Fundación Triple-S, and Nutriendo Puerto Rico finds that 40.8% of adults in Puerto Rico face food insecurity, driven largely by the high cost of nutritious food.

  2. [POLITICS] 10 sources
    Puerto Rico announces additional PAN nutritional assistance payments

    Puerto Rico's Department of the Family is distributing $56.8 million in unused emergency funds to PAN participants, providing approximately $46.78 per person by September 26.

Sources

ahoradigital.net · diario.mx · diarioelranco.cl · ecuadorchequea.com · kijiji.ca · lajornadaestadodemexico.com · merca20.com · nelpr.com · radioisla1320.com · reportediario.cl · sincomillas.com · vanguardia.com.mx