UPR publishes profile of PAN beneficiaries

A recent study conducted by the Center for Deve-lopment Studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, revealed that some 597,000 households in Puerto Rico are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known locally as PAN.

By The Star Staff

A profile of households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN by its local acronym in Spanish) in Puerto Rico shows that most include an older adult, while half include a member with a disability.

The recent study was conducted by the Center for Development Studies (CED in Spanish) at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (UPRRP) and provided an insightful profile of households participating in the PAN on the island.

The analysis utilizes the most current data from the Census Bureau for 2023, revealing that some 597,000 households in Puerto Rico are enrolled in the PAN.

Key findings from the study indicate that 68% of those households have incomes below the poverty line. Additionally, 55% include at least one adult aged 60 or older. The study also highlights that 29% of participating households have at least one child under 18 years of age, while nearly half contain a member with a disability.

José Caraballo Cueto, an economist and director of the CED, emphasized that many households enrolled in the PAN consist of older adults or individuals with disabilities, a significant portion of whom live in poverty. The study also reveals that 59% of these households had at least one individual employed outside the home in the past year, which marks an increase from previous statistics -- 47% in 2016 and 51% in 2019.

Caraballo Cueto stressed the importance of acknowledging that not all PAN households are disconnected from the labor market. Instead, the rise in the percentage of households with at least one worker suggests that low-wage employment often does not provide a pathway out of poverty.

In a written statement, the CED encouraged individuals to familiarize themselves with the definitions of poverty and related technical terms by visiting an associated link. They also suggested exploring the official Census website for more comprehensive statistics on Puerto Rico.

UPRRP Chancellor Angélica Varela Llavona remarked that the analysis by the Center for Development Studies offers valuable data essential for crafting effective policies that address socioeconomic challenges affecting societal well-being.

The CED, a newly established entity at UPR Río Piedras, is dedicated to providing consulting services related to economic and human development.