An emotional video shared on social media has touched the hearts of thousands of Cubans both on the island and abroad: a young Cuban woman gifts a bag of basic food items to an elderly lady on the street, evoking a reaction of pure emotion.
The generous gesture was captured in a clip posted on TikTok by the account @lanotasensacion, where the moment is shown when an elderly woman, dressed in simple clothes and sitting on a sidewalk, receives an unexpected gift: a bag containing essential products that are increasingly inaccessible for most Cubans, such as powdered milk, sugar, and beans.
Upon realizing what is in the package, the woman can hardly contain her tears. “Oh my, thank God, oh my God!” says the excited woman as she tightly hugs the young woman who is giving her the assistance.
"Oh, thank you, my dear," the elderly woman repeats, moved, as the young woman shows her what is inside the bag.
The video, which has already amassed thousands of views, has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok and other platforms, with comments praising the gesture and lamenting the deep scarcity faced by the Cuban population, especially the most vulnerable, such as retired seniors.
“How sad that this is news, but what a beautiful gesture,” commented one user. “This is Cuba: a bag of food can bring tears of joy,” wrote another.
The food situation in Cuba has worsened in recent years, with skyrocketing prices and a chronic shortage of basic products. For many Cubans, accessing items like powdered milk or beans has become a luxury.
The minimum pensions, which amount to around 1,500 Cuban pesos, are insufficient to cover even part of the cost of the basic basket.
These acts of solidarity, increasingly common on social media, reflect not only the harsh reality faced by many Cubans but also the empathy and desire to help that remain amid the crisis.
Frequently asked questions about the food and social situation in Cuba
Why is the reaction of the Cuban grandmother to receiving food so significant?
The reaction of the Cuban grandmother upon receiving food is significant because it reflects the profound scarcity and difficulties in accessing basic products in Cuba. The emotion of the elderly woman when receiving essential food items such as powdered milk, sugar, and beans highlights the food crisis that particularly affects the most vulnerable, such as retired seniors, who receive pensions that are insufficient to cover their basic needs.
What is the situation of retirees in Cuba concerning their pensions?
The situation of retirees in Cuba is critical due to the minimal pensions they receive, which amount to around 1,528 Cuban pesos per month, equivalent to less than five dollars. This sum is insufficient to cover even a portion of the basic basket cost, leading many elderly individuals to live in extreme poverty, without access to adequate food or basic services.
What solidarity actions are being undertaken in Cuba to help those in need?
In Cuba, solidarity actions are taking place such as the distribution of food by individuals and small groups. People like @anita.cubanita64 have gained notoriety on social media for preparing and distributing meals to elderly individuals living on the streets. These acts of solidarity have become increasingly common, reflecting empathy and a desire to help amidst the crisis.
What is the impact of the economic crisis on the elderly population in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has severely impacted the elderly population, leading them to extreme vulnerability. Inflation and the shortage of basic products have forced many seniors to rely on the charity of neighbors and family members or on solidarity initiatives. The lack of governmental support and the inadequacy of pensions exacerbate their situation, forcing them to live in precarious conditions.
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