US reserve funds for PAN said insufficient to cover local needs

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli, at lectern

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli warned over the weekend that federal reserve funds are insufficient to fully cover nutritional assistance programs in Puerto Rico, despite recent court rulings aimed at unlocking contingency resources.

The concern centers on the Nutritional Assistance Program (known locally as PAN by its acronym in Spanish) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which together require some $9 billion in funding for the month of November. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently holds only $5 billion in reserve funds, leaving a significant shortfall.

Boffelli cited recent decisions from federal judges John McConnell in Rhode Island and Indira Talwani in Massachusetts. Judge McConnell ordered the use of contingency funds to maintain benefits, while Judge Talwani requested further clarification from the federal administration, with a response deadline set for Monday. Boffelli said President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to release the funds if the courts confirm their legal use, stating he does not want “people to go hungry.”

Despite these developments, Boffelli emphasized that legal proceedings take time and that the only definitive solution to ensure continued funding for SNAP and other federal programs is the reopening of the U.S. government.

“Even if USDA contingency funds are released, they will not be sufficient to cover all beneficiaries during November,” she said, noting that the monthly cost of the program far exceeds available reserves.

The ongoing federal government shutdown, which has led to furloughs and reduced staffing across agencies, is also complicating logistical operations. Boffelli warned that the preparation and distribution of the Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, cards used by PAN recipients could be delayed due to limited personnel, further jeopardizing timely access to food assistance.

In the interim, the island Family Department has identified savings to ensure that SNAP payments are made to beneficiaries scheduled to receive funds on Nov. 4, 6, 8 and 10. If necessary, Boffelli added, the government may tap into other state accounts to cover benefits beyond the first week of November.

The situation underscores the broader impact of the federal shutdown on vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico, where reliance on federal aid programs remains high. Local officials continue to advocate for swift federal action to restore government operations and stabilize funding for essential services.