The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has been plagued by a long history of deep poverty, food insecurity, and economic crisis, and the island has grappled with more than a decade of uninterrupted economic decline. Even before COVID-19 increased hunger and hardship on the island, Puerto Rico was reeling from the destruction left by a series of earthquakes in January 2020 as well as Hurricanes Irma and María in 2017. Though a huge portion of the island’s population lives in poverty, a federal block grant prevents these U.S. citizens from receiving the same nutrition benefits as those living in states on the mainland.
Illuminating Hunger Disparities Facing the People of Puerto Rico
By the numbers:
Take Action
Tell Congress: Pass the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act!
The people of Puerto Rico should be able to access the same nutrition assistance as their fellow American citizens living stateside. By transitioning to SNAP, and away from the current block grant program, more people in Puerto Rico will have access to life-saving nutrition assistance.
Learn More
With Pandemic Fueling Increased Food Insecurity, MAZON Announces New Investments to End Hunger in Puerto Rico
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger invests $200,000 to bolster anti-hunger infrastructure with grassroots partners in Puerto Rico. Read more.
MAZON: “Needless Delays For Critical $900 Million Puerto Rico Disaster Aid Extended Human Suffering”
MAZON applauds the passage of much-needed aid for Puerto Rico, but it is long overdue. Read more.
MAZON Celebrates Passage of President Biden’s COVID-19 Relief Package
MAZON's President and CEO, Abby J. Leibman, celebrates the boost for nutrition funding and anti-poverty measures, also calling on leaders to continue this momentum to develop durable solutions to food insecurity. Read more.
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