A young Cuban mother, identified on social media as @anita.cubanita64, has once again touched the hearts of thousands by sharing videos of herself cooking and distributing food to homeless individuals in Cuba.
"Join me, my love, on another adventure, cooking for the elderly on the street in Cuba," she says in one of the videos that has accumulated over half a million views. "We didn't have electricity, but you know that's not new," she shares while showing how she prepares spaghetti, sausages, and sauce with the little she has available.
According to the young woman, her purpose is not to go viral, but rather to "raise awareness and get more people involved." "If everyone contributed just a little, this world would be different," she states in one of the clips. She then shows how she places the portions in thermoplastics and goes out to distribute them among elderly individuals living on the streets.
In a second video, posted the next day, she is seen delivering food directly to those in need. "For you, it may just be a little bit of spaghetti, but for them, it's a hot meal; it might be the only one they have all day," she expresses, emotionally. "You might ask me, 'Why are you recording?'... Well, it's the only way to get more people involved from other parts of the world."
A particularly emotional scene occurs when she talks to a man on the street who tells her that he hasn't eaten anything all day. She worries about his health, and he sincerely and hungrily thanks her for the food. "Oh, please uncover it for me; I'm going to eat it right now," he tells her.
The young woman has reiterated on several occasions that she carries out this work thanks to the support she receives on social media. "If we keep growing, we can continue helping more people," she states. The community that follows her not only shares her videos but also inquires about how to help her or send donations from abroad.
This is not the first time he has engaged in such charitable actions. Last February, he moved thousands with another video in which he cooked yellow rice with corn and salad to distribute among homeless elderly people. “If a Cuban struggles, just imagine these elderly folks who have nowhere to live,” he said at that time.
In March, she also shared another charitable initiative when she distributed bread and drinks as snacks for elderly individuals in Matanzas. Her actions have not only garnered admiration but also reflect the lack of state support for homeless individuals in Cuba.
According to official data, in 2024 the Cuban government announced a plan to remove beggars from the streets, but the situation has not improved. On the contrary, the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased. More recently, state media blamed drugs and personal decisions for the rise in begging, without taking responsibility for the collapse of the social assistance system.
Meanwhile, the work of Cubans like Anita reveals the solidarity of those who, despite scarcity, continue to strive to help the most forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solidarity and Social Crisis in Cuba
Who is the young Cuban distributing food to people experiencing homelessness?
Anita, known on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, is a young Cuban mother who has gained recognition for her humanitarian work of cooking and distributing food to homeless people in Cuba. Her goal is to raise awareness about the situation of the most vulnerable on the island and inspire others to follow her example of solidarity.
Why does Anita record her food distribution activities in Cuba?
Anita records and shares her actions on social media not to go viral, but to inspire more people to join her cause and help those in need. She believes that by showcasing her acts of solidarity, she can motivate others to participate and support the less fortunate, both within and outside of Cuba.
What is the situation of homeless people in Cuba and what is the government doing about it?
The situation of homeless individuals in Cuba is critical and has worsened despite government announcements of plans to remove beggars from the streets. The number of people living on the streets has increased, and the government has tried to blame factors such as drugs and personal decisions, without taking responsibility for the collapse of the social assistance system. The work of individuals like Anita highlights the lack of state support and the growing need for civic solidarity.
What challenges does Anita face in carrying out her solidarity actions in Cuba?
Anita faces numerous challenges in carrying out her charitable actions, including food shortages, frequent power outages, and a lack of basic resources on the island. Despite these difficulties, Anita perseveres thanks to the support of her community on social media, which not only shares her videos but also expresses interest in finding out how to help her or send donations from abroad.
Filed under:
