# Food insecurity and nutritional assistance in Puerto Rico > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-and-nutritional-assistance-in-puerto-rico > Updated: 2026-10-07T22:51:27.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-rico-food-insecurity-affects-408-of-adults ### 2026-09-24: 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. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-rico-announces-additional-pan-nutritional-assistance-payments --- Cite as: Food insecurity and nutritional assistance in Puerto Rico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-insecurity-and-nutritional-assistance-in-puerto-rico