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The food shortage in Cuba has reached alarming levels, and the government has started distributing cola syrup as a substitute for milk for children, sparking outrage among the affected families.
Since December, the regime had announced difficulties in ensuring the supply of powdered milk, initially offering chocolate as an alternative, but the new measure has sparked a wave of criticism.
Irabrenda Pérez, a Cuban mother, expressed her frustration on social media: "I am shocked by the audacity of the bottle of syrup they gave my daughter. We have hit rock bottom; this is truly unprecedented. May God intervene, as it's becoming unbearable. Where is the milk for the children?"
For her part, Deimi Mederos Ramírez shared her experience: "Today I picked up the famous powdered drink mix for my 5-year-old and discovered that they were also giving out this little bottle of cola syrup. What luck we have. I assume that the cola and chocolate provide the necessary nutrients for our children's development, while our leaders sacrifice themselves by consuming all that harmful milk that inflames them just to protect our children. Thank you for everything, Fidel."
Powdered milk, whose price has surged to 2,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) per kilogram, according to reports on social media and outlets like CiberCuba, has become an unattainable luxury for most families on the island.
This latest episode not only highlights the growing shortcomings of the Cuban regime in meeting basic needs, but also underscores the public dissatisfaction in the face of a crisis that seems to have no end in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Milk Distribution in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government offer syrup as a substitute for milk for children?
The Cuban government has resorted to distributing cola syrup as a substitute for milk due to the severe shortage of dairy products on the island. This measure has been widely criticized by affected families, who point out the lack of nutritional value of this alternative and the regime's inability to provide basic food staples.
What is the current situation regarding the price of milk powder in Cuba?
The price of powdered milk in Cuba has reached exorbitant levels, nearly matching the monthly minimum wage of 2,100 Cuban pesos. This cost makes it unattainable for many families, exacerbating the food crisis and severely impacting child nutrition.
How is the milk shortage affecting the child population in Cuba?
The lack of milk in Cuba negatively impacts the health and development of children, especially those aged 2 to 6 years. The absence of this essential food is causing health and nutritional problems, as many families cannot access suitable alternatives due to high prices and scarcity.
What other measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the milk crisis?
In addition to cola syrup, the Cuban government has attempted to distribute a mixture of chocolate and liquid milk of questionable quality as alternatives to powdered milk. However, these measures have been insufficient and have not addressed the structural issue of food distribution on the island.
What challenges do Cuban families face in obtaining basic food supplies?
Cuban families face significant challenges in obtaining basic food items due to shortages and high prices in the informal market. Distribution issues, inflation, and a lack of products in state-run networks have forced many families to seek out costly and less nutritious alternatives.
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