The economic crisis in Cuba, accompanied by a chronic shortage of food, has driven many to unimaginable extremes, and while product prices are out of reach for most, an increasing number of people resort to searching for food even in the trash to survive.
In a new episode of this difficult reality, a woman was seen picking up spilled yogurt in the middle of the street in Santiago de Cuba, in a scene that reflects how hunger and desperation have altered daily dynamics on the island.
The journalist Yosmany Mayeta, known for documenting the harsh reality of Santiago de Cuba that often goes unreported by official media, shared this disturbing image through his Facebook account.
In the video, it shows how the woman uses an object to try to pick up the spilled yogurt on the street while attempting to place it into some type of container.
No matter how bizarre this scene may seem, it is becoming increasingly common in the reality of Cuba. Just two days ago, Mayeta shared a similar incident: during an agricultural fair in the city of Santiago de Cuba, a man was seen apparently collecting picadillo from some boxes thrown onto the street.
"The story repeats itself: Man eats picadillo from discarded boxes at the fair in Santiago de Cuba," the communicator emphasized, denouncing that this situation has been reported at various times and in several Cuban cities.
In December of last year, a group of people in Santiago de Cuba, including children, were seen picking up beans that had been thrown on the street, reflecting the severe economic crisis that forces many to search for basic food in precarious conditions.
A month earlier, in November, a disgraceful incident occurred on the central Yarayó street in the same city, where two women, three men, and a young boy did not hesitate to bend down and collect tomato puree from the street with their own hands, placing it into containers and plastic bags.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why do we see people picking up food from the ground in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has forced the population to take extreme measures to obtain food. The shortage of basic products and the high cost of food make people pick up items like yogurt, beans, and tomato puree from the ground in order to feed themselves.
What does it reflect that people pick up food from the ground in Cuba?
The gathering of food from the ground reflects the deep food and economic crisis that Cuba is experiencing. These acts are tangible evidence of the desperation and the lack of effective responses from the government to ensure access to essential products for the population.
How is the food crisis affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
The food crisis has turned the procurement of basic necessities into a daily struggle for Cubans. Many families are forced to gather food from the ground, which impacts their health and well-being, creating an atmosphere of despair and frustration in society.
How have the Cuban authorities responded to the food shortage?
The Cuban government has faced criticism for its inaction and lack of effective responses to the food crisis. The population has repeatedly reported the absence of government support and ineptitude in ensuring access to basic products, leading many to resort to extreme measures for survival.
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