By The Star Staff
There is no place for hunger in Puerto Rico in the third decade of the millennium, Speaker of the House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez said Tuesday in support of institutions such as the Food Bank of Puerto Rico, that he said served the island so well, particularly during hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and the earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“They need and they have our support,” the veteran lawmaker said. “From the House of Representatives we are going to identify how to better serve the people through organizations such as this.”
“We are evaluating the best way to support an organization that directly impacts 1,800 children in the public school system, that [supplies] 168 non-profit organizations with food, that helps our university students through agreements with the University of Puerto Rico, among other institutions,” Méndez added.
Attached to one of the largest non-profit organizations in the United States, the Food Bank provides food to 47 million citizens, including in Puerto Rico.
Last year the organization provided 20 million pounds of food to the 78 municipalities.
In a recent statement, the House Speaker reaffirmed commitment to addressing food insecurity, pledging increased support for local food banks. Recognizing the critical role these organizations play, the Speaker emphasized the need for sustainable funding and community partnerships. One such initiative includes collaborations with financial institutions like Metabank to facilitate donations and resources for struggling families. The Speaker’s vow comes at a crucial time when rising costs have put additional pressure on food banks. Advocates applaud this effort, hoping for long-term policies that ensure food security for all. The commitment signals a step forward in fighting hunger nationwide.