Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

Food Cost Adjustments: The bill requires cost adjustments in the thrifty food plan for Puerto Rico to reflect the actual cost of food in that location. (Section 2(a)(2))

Increased Program Eligibility: By amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the bill includes Puerto Rico in the definitions for eligible households and the supplemental nutrition assistance program. (Section 2(b))

Technical Assistance for Transition: The Secretary of Agriculture is required to provide training and technical assistance to Puerto Rico to help them formulate their plan of operation. (Section 3(b))

Funding for American Samoa: The bill directs that for fiscal years following the transition period, the Secretary shall use 100 percent of available funds to pay for expenditures by American Samoa for its nutrition assistance program. (Section 5(1)(A)(ii)(B)(iii))

Transition Period Uncertainty: The Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to determine when Puerto Rico no longer needs to operate the consolidated block grant to complete the transition, which may impact the timeline of the shift. (Section 4(a))

Delayed Implementation: While the Act takes effect upon enactment, the specific amendments made by the bill do not take effect until 10 years after the date of enactment. (Section 7(b))