Officials: Food aid for families won’t be interrupted despite federal shutdown

Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes (familia.pr.gov)

By THE STAR STAFF

Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes, alongside Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli, affirmed Thursday that families receiving the Nutritional Assistance Program (PAN by its acronym in Spanish) will face no interruptions in their food aid, despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government.

“The over 1.2 million individuals benefiting from this program in Puerto Rico can trust that disbursements will proceed as scheduled, and assistance will remain completely uninterrupted in the coming months,” Roig Fuertes said in a statement that directly contradicts claims made by Ramon Burgos, the head of the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), who indicated that PAN funds would be exhausted after this month due to the federal shutdown.

Roig Fuertes stressed that the Family Department, through ADSEF, is in constant communication with the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and PRFAA to guarantee uninterrupted program operations.

“We have implemented proactive measures to ensure that PAN benefits reach every family promptly,” the Family secretary said. “No Puerto Rican household will be deprived of the essential food assistance they require.”

The official highlighted that PAN represents a significant monthly investment of some $245 million, serving 1,260,000 consumers through more than 3,000 certified establishments across the island.

“Our commitment is resolute,” Roig Fuertes said. “Families can be assured that the Family Department will steadfastly secure the food security and well-being of all Puerto Rican households. There will be no disruptions in services, as we are fully prepared and operating in a coordinated manner.”

Boffelli reinforced the message.

“It is crucial for the public to receive credible and verified information,” she said. “Even prior to the federal shutdown, our administration established a comprehensive action plan to safeguard essential programs like the Nutritional Assistance Program [...]. Funding is secure, and both PRFAA and local agencies are actively collaborating to ensure that every family receives the resources they rightfully deserve.”