Velazquez Wants Comprehensive Review of Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture calling for a comprehensive study on the state of food insecurity in Puerto Rico. The request follows the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall where failed disaster relief resulted in a humanitarian crisis and, according to some estimates, the loss of 3,000 residents' lives.

In the letter, Velázquez explains how high levels of poverty and restricted eligibility rules have exacerbated food insecurity. In response, the study would disclose the ongoing nutritional needs of Puerto Ricans resulting from Hurricanes Maria and Irma based on current demographics and income levels, as well as long-term disparities created by the capped block grant funding in Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP).

"Two years after Maria, food security continues to be a daunting problem on the Island, endangering thousands of our fellow citizens," said Velazquez. "No American family should have to choose between feeding seniors or packing lunch for their kids."

The study would also evaluate readiness for inclusion into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the 1980's Puerto Rico was removed from SNAP and instead given a block grant for food assistance. This has resulted in less funding and fewer benefits for Puerto Ricans – 85 percent of whom are food insecure.

"With 43 percent of the Island living below the poverty line, it is indefensible that Puerto Ricans are not SNAP eligible," said Velázquez.

The study stems from legislative language Velázquez authored that was signed into law in June as part of the supplemental appropriations process for Puerto Rico. Velázquez has also championed legislation that would restore Puerto Rico's access to the SNAP initiative.

The letter is online here and the full text is below.

September 20, 2019

The Honorable Sonny Perdue

Secretary Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington D.C. 20250

Puerto Rico Child Nutrition Program

Food and Nutrition Services

150 Federico Costa St.

San Juan, PR 00919-0759

Dear Secretary Perdue:

On the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall in Puerto Rico, I urge you to follow Congressional intent and initiate the study on the impact of the supplemental disaster Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) funding on food insecurity in Puerto Rico as manded under Public Law 116-20.

The island continues to suffer from the aftermath of that storm. Poverty levels have risen dramatically, and the economy is stagnant. As a result, we have seen an increase in the number of families and individuals who would be eligible for the Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP), if the block grant funding in Puerto Rico was not arbitrarily capped. According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, over 43 percent of Puerto Ricans live below the poverty line compared to a national average of 14 percent. As a result, the block grant funding made available through NAP is simply incapable of meeting the needs of Puerto Ricans, particularly given the current circumstances resulting from the disaster.

In response, I championed $5 million in appropriations to USDA to conduct an independent study, including a survey of participants, on the impact of the additional benefits on food insecurity, health status, and well-being of NAP recipients in Puerto Rico. As you are aware, this directive became section 105 of the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-20). Hurricanes Maria and Irma taught us some painful lessons about nutritional support in Puerto Rico. We need a comprehensive evaluation of the ongoing nutritional needs of Puerto Rico based on current demographics and income levels.

Moreover, the study should look beyond the impact of Maria and include ongoing, critical factors such as: high levels of poverty, restricted eligibility rules and local food costs. Restrictive eligibility requirements and lower benefit levels exacerbate food insecurity. The study must explore any long-term disparities created by the capped block grant funding vs. future, potential funding at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) levels. In addition, this study should also evaluate Puerto Rico's readiness for inclusion into SNAP including benchmarking improvements in the management and operation of the program.

We trust that your agency will follow the intent of Congress when planning and conducting this critically important study. Thank you for your attention to this issue. Please feel free to contact me directly or my staff at 202-225-2361 with any questions.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez