In 1982, the U.S. Congress replaced the Food Stamp Program in Puerto Rico with a block grant. With this change, Puerto Rico acquired more authority to administer what became a different program, known as the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). Funds are provided through a block grant from the U.S. Federal Government and are subject to an annual cap.
To maintain a nutrition assistance program under more constrained funds, Puerto Rico has targeted eligibility and benefits to those households who are most financially needy. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (PL 110-234) directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to examine the feasibility and effects of including Puerto Rico as a ‘State’ under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (PL 110-246).
With such a shift, nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico would be subject to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, options, and entitlement funding. This study assesses the potential impacts of establishing SNAP in Puerto Rico.