In response to the dissatisfaction and confusion among many consumers, the government of Santiago de Cuba assured that the distribution of food items from the regulated family basket, sourced from international donations, is free of charge and is not linked to other marketing systems.
Edelva Marín Medina, coordinator of Programs and Objectives of the Provincial Government, emphasized this while providing details on the distribution of these products this Sunday on the CMKC station, amidst a food crisis and following recent protests.
He noted that the rice donated by Venezuela is provided free of charge, in packages of 900 grams or 1 kilogram (kg), in five municipalities: Mella, Palma Soriano, Guamá, Contramaestre, and Santiago de Cuba.
But the measure is not universal: in the areas of Altamira and El Cobre Bajo, in the provincial capital, they will not receive that rice as they have already received their quota of seven pounds corresponding to March. "There is no second delivery or additional distribution of this donation," clarified the official, according to information reproduced by the official newspaper Sierra Maestra.
In the municipalities without rice (Segundo Frente, San Luis, Songo La Maya, and Tercer Frente) pasta is being distributed as compensation, either in the form of spaghetti or elbow macaroni. The quantity varies according to the weight: two packets per person if they weigh 400 or 500 grams, or one if it weighs 1 kg.
The distribution of canned sardines, also scheduled for March, encompasses all municipalities but will only benefit children aged 0 to 13 and seniors over 65, and will be documented in the booklet under that month.
Regarding the sugar, which is also being donated, it will be distributed across all municipalities, except for Mella and Guamá, which have already fulfilled their quota for April. The delivery will be in sealed bags, as a measure of control and transparency, the information noted.
The provincial government of Santiago de Cuba recently began distributing certain amounts of food to meet the food quota for March in several municipalities, just as people in that area (and also in Bayamo and Cienfuegos) took to the streets in protest against the prolonged blackouts and the increasing shortage of food.
Donations have become the usual mechanism for "food management" in Cuba. In April, Cuba received a donation of 10,000 tons of rice sent by Vietnam, amid a situation where the much-demanded cereal has been scarce for months in state markets and warehouses, causing social unrest, endless queues, and a surge in the black market, where prices greatly exceed the average purchasing power.
According to official data, in 2024 Cuba produced only 30% of the rice it harvested in 2018, due to a lack of supplies and fuel, which has significantly reduced the cultivated area and the yields per hectare.
This situation has forced the government to import 100% of the rice destined for the basic food basket, increasing spending in foreign currency in a critical economic context.
The latest official indicators reflect significant declines in the production of other essential foods such as pork, root vegetables, eggs, cow's milk, beans, and vegetables, a situation that confirms a major food crisis in Cuba.
By the end of 2024, the Communist Party of Cuba acknowledged the failure in food production, highlighting underlying issues such as decades of state control, lack of economic incentives for producers, and a bureaucratic system that stifles any attempts at innovation or efficiency in Cuban agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Distribution of Donations and the Food Crisis in Cuba
Are food donations in Santiago de Cuba free?
Yes, the food donations distributed in Santiago de Cuba are free. These products, mostly from international donations, are not linked to other marketing systems. The distribution is carried out to alleviate the food crisis affecting the country.
Why do not all municipalities in Santiago de Cuba receive the same amount of donated rice?
The distribution of donated rice varies by municipality as some have already received their corresponding quota in previous months. Municipalities such as Altamira and El Cobre Bajo will not receive rice now because they already obtained their quota for March, while others receive pasta as compensation.
What other basic products are being distributed as part of the donations in Santiago de Cuba?
In addition to rice, pasta and canned sardines are being distributed as part of the donations. The pasta is delivered to municipalities that do not receive rice, while the sardines are allocated to children and the elderly, being recorded in the supply ledger for better control.
What is the reason for the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of factors such as low agricultural production, lack of supplies and fuel, and dependence on imports and international donations. These structural issues have led to a significant reduction in the production of basic food items, exacerbating shortages and social unrest.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the food crisis?
The Cuban government is attempting to manage the food crisis through the importation of food and reliance on international donations. However, these measures have been insufficient to meet the needs of the population, and the government is facing criticism for its lack of efficiency and transparency in food distribution.
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