Related videos:
The shortage of basic goods and inflation have caused the price of powdered milk to skyrocket, making it an unreachable luxury for many families.
In a context of low wages and rampant inflation, the price of a kilogram of powdered milk is already nearing the monthly minimum wage, which has an official rate of 2,100 Cuban pesos (CUP).
In areas like El Cerro, the price of powdered milk has surged to 2000 Cuban pesos (CUP) per kilogram, according to various posts on Facebook reviewed by CiberCuba.
This cost, beyond what many citizens can afford, is leaving thousands of families without access to an essential food item, particularly in households with young children.
"Yellow milk, it is neither flavored nor fortified," reads one of the ads posted on social media.
The situation becomes even more complicated when it involves cases of children with special needs. Danielly Aróstica, a doctor from Sancti Spíritus, expressed her despair on social media, pointing out that the price of a can of powdered milk, equivalent to two months of her basic salary, is unattainable for her daughter, who suffers from several serious illnesses. "We live in a country where we are worth nothing," the doctor stated, mourning the lack of government support in the face of the food crisis and the collapse of the health system.
The issues with milk distribution are affecting the entire island, as demonstrated by the situation in Santiago de Cuba, where the company Lácteos Santiago de Cuba reported that it does not have sufficient inventory to meet the needs of children aged 2 to 6 years.
In other provinces such as Matanzas and Ciego de Ávila, families have endured long periods of scarcity due to a lack of supplies and interruptions in the electrical grid that have hindered the distribution of dairy products.
Meanwhile, the government continues to provide makeshift solutions, such as replacing powdered milk with liquid milk of questionable quality, or distributing a limited amount of milk to younger children, while older children and those with chronic illnesses remain unprotected.
Frequently asked questions about the milk crisis in Cuba
Why is the price of powdered milk so high in Cuba?
The price of powdered milk has skyrocketed due to a shortage of basic products and rampant inflation in Cuba. This economic situation has caused the cost of a kilogram of powdered milk to nearly equal the monthly minimum wage, making it unaffordable for many Cuban families.
How is the lack of milk affecting children in Cuba?
The shortage of milk severely impacts child nutrition, leaving many children without access to an essential food source. This is particularly concerning for households with young children and those with special needs, as the scarcity is leading to health issues due to a lack of adequate nutrients. The situation is especially critical for children aged 2 to 6, who are not receiving enough milk due to distribution and production problems.
What measures is the Cuban government taking in response to the milk crisis?
The Cuban government has resorted to makeshift measures, such as replacing powdered milk with liquid milk of questionable quality and limiting distribution to younger children. However, these solutions have not been effective in addressing the supply crisis and have not provided structural solutions to ensure access to milk.
What challenges do Cuban families face in obtaining milk?
Cuban families are facing challenges in accessing milk due to its high cost and scarcity. This forces many to turn to the informal market, where prices are even more exorbitant. Additionally, the quality of the milk available is questionable, which exacerbates the nutritional situation of children on the island.
Filed under: