A video showing the content of a lunch for assisted individuals in Cuba has sparked outrage on social media.
Activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared the video without specifying the location on the island. In it, several people can be heard while showing some containers with a kind of broth and some noodles.
"What a shame the lunch for the assisted in Cuba," lamented Salcedo.
Users on social media have expressed their concern about the situation faced by the most vulnerable individuals on the island.
"People will think it's a lie, but it's the plain truth. When it's not just rice and pea soup, those of us with chronic illnesses in Cuba do not have, and will not have, proper nutrition unless we seek it out ourselves. The saddest part is the elderly," commented the user Noly Calveira.
"Who would eat that? Not even a dog would eat that. I don't understand how they can give that to the elderly, my God," said Melvis Gutiérrez.
This situation is not new in a country where the crisis particularly affects the elderly, who, with their meager pensions, cannot cope with the high cost of living amidst increasingly soaring prices and a severe shortage of basic goods.
Last year, residents of the Santiago municipality of San Luis reported that several basic products are lacking at the La Cuevita assistance center, where food is prepared for those in need.
"There are days when we eat soup and sweet potato," alerted a gentleman to the local channel Tele Turquino.
"Soup without noodles, here the soup has never had noodles, from January until now, and with a little bit of meat because the administrator takes care of his arrangements," explained the assistant.
The gentleman elaborated that he does not know the reasons behind the shortage of products “we do not meet with the administrator nor do they provide us with information.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Its Impact on the Elderly in Cuba
What does the video of the lunch for the assisted in Cuba show?
The video shows the contents of a lunch for assisted individuals in Cuba, consisting of a kind of broth with a few noodles, which has sparked outrage on social media. The situation reflects the lack of adequate nutrition for the most vulnerable on the island, especially the elderly.
What is the economic situation of retirees in Cuba?
Retirees in Cuba face a severe economic situation due to meager pensions that do not allow them to cover their basic needs. The majority of retirees receive a minimum pension of around 1,500 to 1,600 Cuban pesos, which is equivalent to about 4-5 dollars at the informal exchange rate. This is insufficient to purchase food and essential products.
How does the food crisis affect the elderly in Cuba?
The food crisis severely affects the elderly in Cuba, who are one of the most vulnerable groups. With insufficient pensions, many elderly individuals cannot access a proper diet and rely on charity or their own means to survive. The shortage of basic products and inflation exacerbate their situation, leaving them in extreme poverty.
What role do social media play in denouncing the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has been essential in bringing visibility to the crisis in Cuba, allowing citizens to share their experiences and denounce the precarious situation in which they live. Videos and posts on platforms like TikTok have gone viral, showcasing the daily reality of food shortages and poverty faced by many Cubans. This exposure has generated empathy and highlighted the critical situation that the Cuban regime fails to address.
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