“What we are experiencing in Cuba has no name,” says Sheyla, a young Cuban from Matanzas who has made an impact on social media after showing the cost of a few groceries purchased from a cart. In a video posted on TikTok (@sheyreyes032), she documents how she spent 1,700 Cuban pesos —more than half of a state worker's salary— on a small purchase: a bunch of bananas, a small container of ají cachucha, and four pounds of tomatoes.
Sheyla reports that the official markets are empty and, due to the scarcity, many citizens have to turn to private vendors. However, the prices there are not affordable either: a single onion can cost up to 900 pesos.
In her testimony, the young woman warns that many families go without food daily and that there are elderly people who survive on banana peels, water, and coffee. “Here, most people are counting their pesos, measuring portions, enduring hunger,” she expressed, visibly outraged by the level of hardship faced by Cubans.
The reactions to the video were immediate. Among the most common comments, users wonder where the products sold from the carts come from if the government does not guarantee supply, while others question why encouragement for growing food in family gardens is lacking. Several comments compared prices in Cuba with those in other countries, noting that the average salary is insufficient even for a modest meal.
This testimony adds to a series of viral posts that have highlighted the difficulties of accessing food on the island. In May, the user @kary_y_jony reflected on the fact that in Cuba, having coffee for breakfast is “more than a luxury” and that products like milk or pancakes are inaccessible for most people.
A few days earlier, the Spanish YouTuber Juanjo Dalmau documented the sanitary conditions under which meat is sold in a Cuban agromarket, where the cuts were exposed to the open air and covered in flies. “Can this be eaten?” he wondered, while a customer replied that she had no alternative.
Another video has also gone viral where a Cuban woman displayed what she received from the supply booklet: rice, beans, peas, and a jar of applesauce for two people over an entire month. The comments on this topic expressed feelings of misery, outrage, and neglect.
A recurring voice of Cuban reality
Sheyla is not new to this type of content. On another occasion, she shared a gesture of solidarity that moved thousands: preparing a simple meal for a retired neighbor. “It’s not much, but I give it with love,” she said at that time, while cooking over charcoal due to a lack of domestic gas.
In the context of a food crisis and the collapse of official distribution mechanisms, testimonies like Sheyla's highlight the profound disconnection between the official discourse and the reality of thousands of Cuban households.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why is it so expensive to buy food in Cuba?
Inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso have skyrocketed food prices in Cuba. Many essential products are inaccessible to the majority of the population, who earn salaries that are insufficient to meet their basic needs. The scarcity of products in official markets forces citizens to turn to private vendors, where prices are also high.
How does the economic crisis affect Cuban families?
The economic crisis in Cuba has left many families unable to ensure a healthy diet. Low salaries, shortages, and inflation have forced citizens to ration their portions and endure hunger. In some cases, people survive on banana peels, water, and coffee. The situation is particularly critical for retirees, who receive minimal pensions that do not even cover basic necessities.
What alternatives do Cubans have to obtain food?
In light of the shortages in official markets, many Cubans turn to the informal market or private vendors to purchase food. However, prices in these places are also high, and not everyone can afford to buy what they need. Some citizens receive remittances from abroad, which allows them to access products in dollars, but the majority rely on their income in Cuban pesos, which is insufficient to meet their needs.
How do Cubans cope with blackouts and their impact on food preservation?
The ongoing power outages in Cuba severely impact food preservation, as many families cannot refrigerate their products. This forces them to quickly consume their food reserves, which poses an unsustainable economic blow for many families. Furthermore, the electricity cuts disrupt other basic services, exacerbating the situation for Cuban households.
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