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A Cuban mother used social media to criticize the government, stating that the chocolate mix intended for children lacks both sugar and milk, essential ingredients for their nutrition, which the regime is unable to provide in the regulated basic food basket.
Rodríguez Abreu expressed her outrage in the Facebook group "Madres Cubanas Luchadoras," where she stated that she had just purchased the "famous" chocolate mix and discovered that it "contains no sugar and, I suppose, no milk either."
He also emphasized that the product, intended for children aged two to six, is priced at 25 Cuban pesos, despite its obvious nutritional deficiencies.
The post sparked controversy in the comments section. Akira Vargas, for instance, mentioned that the mixture arrived at his warehouse over a week ago, "but they haven't distributed it because they don't know the price," a sentiment echoed by several users online.
For her part, Patricia Domenech Díaz expressed her indignation: “Just when I thought I had seen it all, this new disrespect towards the children of my country emerges. Cuba hurts every day in the eyes of its people. It's all very hard.”
Similarly, Kathy Figuera stated: “Why is that mix not given to the children and grandchildren of the leaders of this country? The people get it, poor kids, my God, it's better not to even take it out of the storehouse, in the end, what's the point? Without milk and without sugar, what am I supposed to do with that, buy what’s missing to make a good chocolate? I’ll just leave it for them to give to the pigs.”
A person named Pantoja La Peli Roja emphasized: “I was born hearing a phrase that said ‘children are the hope of the world, children are those who know how to love,’ and today, children in Cuba have no hope for anything, how horrifying!”
Last December, the Ministry of Domestic Trade of Cuba (MINCIN) announced that it would not be able to guarantee powdered milk for all children included in the regulated family ration.
According to the official statement, as an alternative, children in some provinces would receive one kilogram of chocolate mix for breakfast, a measure that has sparked strong criticism and raised questions about the government's priorities and capabilities in addressing the basic needs of the population.
The outrage is warranted as the price of a kilogram of powdered milk on the informal market can reach up to 5,000 pesos (more than double the minimum wage), making it an unattainable luxury for most Cuban households.
However, the government has recently started distributing cola syrup as a substitute for milk for children, provoking outrage among affected families and highlighting that food shortages have reached alarming levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba and the Milk Shortage
Why does the chocolate mix for children in Cuba not contain milk or sugar?
The lack of essential ingredients such as milk and sugar in chocolate mixtures reflects the food crisis in Cuba. The government has been unable to ensure powdered milk for all children, opting for alternatives like chocolate, which lack the necessary nutritional value. This situation has raised criticism and concern among Cuban families regarding the quality of children's nutrition.
How does the lack of milk affect children in Cuba?
The shortage of milk significantly impacts child nutrition in Cuba. Children lack an essential food that is crucial for their physical and cognitive development. The absence of milk can lead to health issues such as calcium deficiency and anemia, particularly in 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 shortage?
The Cuban government has implemented makeshift measures, such as distributing cola syrup and chocolate mixes instead of milk. However, these solutions have been ineffective and have not resolved the supply crisis. Families continue to struggle to access adequate dairy products for their children.
Why is powdered milk so expensive in Cuba?
The high cost of powdered milk in Cuba is due to the scarcity of basic products and rampant inflation. The price of a kilogram of powdered milk is nearly equivalent to the monthly minimum wage, making it an unattainable luxury for many Cuban families. This economic situation further complicates child nutrition on the island.
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