Croquettes and tostones: the "alternative" of a bakery in Matanzas to feed the people

Croquettes and tostones have become the alternative to a bakery in Los Arabos, Matanzas, due to the shortage of bread. This measure is being promoted by the government as a solution to the food crisis.

Bakery in Matanzas produces croquettes and tostonesPhoto © Collage Facebook / Provincial Food Company Matanzas

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Amid the food scarcity and supply crisis that the island is facing, the Provincial Food Company of Matanzas has announced that the bakery La Piña, located in the municipality of Los Arabos, is offering croquettes and tostones as alternative food options for the population.

The announcement was published on the company's official page on Facebook, where this offer is highlighted as a measure to address the shortage of bread and other essential products in the diet of Cubans.

Facebook Capture / Provincial Food Company Matanzas

While the government promotes these initiatives as solutions to the food crisis, the reality is that the shortage of flour and other supplies has forced many bakeries to reinvent themselves with alternatives that deviate from their original purpose.

The scarcity of flour in Cuba has hit several provinces hard, severely affecting bread production and generating long lines at bakeries. This problem has intensified the food crisis on the island, leaving many citizens without access to an essential product in their daily diet. According to reports, the situation has worsened in recent months, with no solutions in sight.

In response to this crisis, the regime has resorted to desperate measures, such as selling caldosa in bakeries as a substitute for bread, highlighting the deterioration of the food supply system in the country. This strategy has been heavily criticized by the population, who see it as a mockery in light of the lack of basic products.

Other attempts by the government to alleviate the food crisis include the marketing of syrup as an alternative to milk, in an effort to address the shortage of dairy products in Cuban households. This measure has generated controversy, as it does not provide an adequate nutritional substitute.

Furthermore, the quality of available food continues to decline, with rancid, expired, or spoiled products, leading to strong criticism from the Cuban population. Many citizens have been forced to consume goods in terrible condition, as reflected in a recent testimony about the sale of spoiled food.

Other desperate measures include the sale of croquette dough packages through the rationing system, reflecting the government's inability to ensure fresh and quality food for the population. This decision has been seen as yet another symptom of the crisis faced by the island.

Lastly, as part of its ongoing experiments, the regime has promoted the consumption of hibiscus flower as a food solution, marketing it as an alternative in light of the crisis of essential products. This proposal has generated disbelief among citizens, who view it as an inadequate strategy in the face of the serious economic situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Matanzas

Why is the bakery La Piña selling croquettes and tostones?

The bakery La Piña in Matanzas offers croquettes and tostones as an alternative due to the flour shortage that has halted bread production in the province. This measure aims to address the lack of basic foods and provide options to the population amid the food crisis.

What is the current situation of bread production in Matanzas?

Bread production in Matanzas has been suspended in all municipalities due to a lack of wheat flour, except in the capital municipality. This situation has forced the search for alternative food sources and has led to significant discontent among the population.

What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the food and energy crisis?

The Cuban government has implemented measures such as the distribution of basic food items at agricultural fairs and the use of croquettes and plantain chips as alternatives to bread. Furthermore, efforts have been made to stabilize the supply of electricity and gas, although the results have been limited. The solutions provided have not effectively addressed the crisis, and the population continues to face significant shortages.

How does the flour crisis affect other provinces in Cuba?

The flour crisis affects several provinces in Cuba, such as Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos, where bread production has also been suspended. The shortage of this basic product reflects a broader crisis in the food supply across the island.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.