Growing Up in Puerto Rico:
A Personal Look at Poverty and Resilience
What did poverty look like when I was growing up? From my perspective, it didn’t feel isolating or deprived-everyone around me was in the same situation. We all did our best with what we had, helped each other along the way, and found joy in the simple things.
Looking back, there are moments that truly defined that experience. I was 11 when I first understood what it meant to go without. One evening, the only food in our house was a stick of butter and some cornmeal. Before we could figure out what to do, a kind neighbor showed up with a bag of groceries. I still remember the taste of that meal—Campbell’s chicken noodle soup and a glass of Welch’s grape juice. To this day, it remains the most delicious meal I’ve ever had. Every time I think of it, I say a prayer for that generous family, hoping their kindness continues to bless generations to come.
Our diet was simple and made with healthy—fresh foods, rice, beans, and eggs were our staples. Meat like chicken or pork was for holidays, church gatherings, or the occasional weekend treat. And despite living on an island, fresh fish was rare in my home. We lived too far from the coast, and it was never within our budget.
Money was always tight, and there was little room for luxuries. My mom used layaway plans to buy our clothes and Christmas gifts, making every small purchase feel like a major milestone. As I grew older, I realized just how much she sacrificed for us. At one point, she owned only two pairs of underwear because she spent every bit she had on my sister and I. Maybe that’s why, to this day, I seem to have more underwear than I can even account for!
Despite the struggles, I’m grateful for my upbringing in Puerto Rico. It shaped me into who I am today. My kids, of course, have never known that kind of hardship—though you wouldn’t guess it when they complain about “nothing to eat” in a fridge full of food. You’ll see my eyes rolling every time.
The Reality of Poverty in Puerto Rico
While my experience was shaped by community and resilience, the numbers paint a stark reality:
- Puerto Rico has a poverty rate of approximately 43%, significantly higher than any U.S. state. Even Mississippi, the poorest U.S. state with 18%.
- Natural disasters like Hurricane Maria have worsened economic conditions, destroying infrastructure, displacing families, and deepening financial struggles.
- High unemployment, low wages, and limited job opportunities continue to make it difficult for many Puerto Ricans to break the cycle of poverty.
- The median household income in Puerto Rico is $25,096, significantly lower than the U.S. national median.
- Poverty rates vary across the island, with certain municipios experiencing rates as high as 67%.
Poverty in Puerto Rico isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, real struggles, and the resilience that keeps the island moving forward. Stay tuned as I continue to share my story and dive deeper into the economic realities shaping Puerto Rico today.
