A survey by the Cámara de Mercadeo, Industria y Distribución de Alimentos (MIDA) found that 43% of respondents receive the Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN), which benefits 1.2 million Puerto Ricans. If aid like PAN or Medicare is reduced, 24% of respondents said they would buy cheaper food, 23% would buy less food, and 22% would look for another job.
The possibility of reduced federal allocations to PAN and Medicare has been a concern, but the US House of Representatives recently approved a budget allocation that includes a $77.8 million increase for PAN in Puerto Rico. MIDA's survey of 1,600 people, conducted between February and April, also found that 25% of respondents would have difficulty buying medication and covering health needs if Medicare funds are cut.
Richard Valdés, president of MIDA's Comité de Radiografía del Consumidor, noted that the survey was conducted during a time of uncertainty, with the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran beginning, and that other factors are contributing to a decline in consumer spending, with many distributors reporting lower sales than the previous year.