The Cuban TikTok user @yani.cubana99 shared a video where she documented how she obtains milk for her son amid the shortage of this product in Cuba. The testimony highlights the reality faced by many families on the island.
“Here at dawn, I'm going to get some milk for the baby, and I want you to join me today in what I’ll be doing,” the young mother begins to say in the video, where she also points out that the milk “for the children is rationed, just like, well, you know, most things; you receive it through a supply booklet and all that.”
The content creator details that her son enjoys milk and that, therefore, “I always try to get it for him.” She adds: “This is cow's milk sold by some farmers who have cows, and these are 3 liters of milk that cost me 360 pesos in National Currency.”
While the milk is boiling in her kitchen, she poses an open question to her followers: "Let me know in the comments what you think about the price, what you think about this milk situation, because sometimes when the milk in the store doesn't arrive, it can be days without any supply, or they only give you half a liter, and well, it's a whole problem."
The video generated multiple reactions. Several users expressed outrage at the prolonged existence of the ration book, while others argued that the price of milk in the informal market is not excessive given the circumstances. One user wrote: “My God, what a great disrespect from that government, not even milk for the children. Our people do not deserve to suffer so much.”
National milk shortage
The testimony of @yani.cubana99 aligns with a structural crisis in the dairy industry in Cuba, which has been widely reported by both official and alternative media.
In Santiago de Cuba, local authorities recently acknowledged that children aged 2 to 6 have not received their milk ration, while infants under one year old have only been partially supplied with the product.
In Camagüey, a province historically recognized as the main dairy basin of the country, it is estimated that this year's deficit will exceed one million liters. Causes such as drought, illegal slaughter of livestock, and lack of incentives have led to a collapse of the productive system. Over the past five years, the province has lost more than half of its dairy production, dropping from 92 million liters in 2019 to just 41.1 million in 2024. Non-payments, poor management, and institutional neglect have been key factors in this decline.
Meanwhile, in Matanzas, more than 5,000 children and cancer patients are not receiving their milk supply due to production and distribution issues. The situation has forced deliveries to be limited to every other day or every three days.
In a context of shortages, theft of powdered milk, and skyrocketing prices in the black market—where a kilogram can cost up to 2,000 Cuban pesos—each liter of milk poses a daily challenge for many Cuban families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Milk Shortage in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of milk in Cuba?
The shortage of milk in Cuba is due to a structural crisis in the dairy industry, exacerbated by factors such as drought, illegal cattle slaughter, lack of incentives, and poor institutional management. These conditions have drastically reduced milk production in the country, impacting the supply to the population, especially to children.
How do Cuban families obtain milk amid the shortage?
Cuban families turn to the informal market to obtain milk, purchasing it from farmers who have cows. The price in the informal market can be high, which poses a significant economic challenge for many families. Additionally, the milk that is officially distributed is rationed and often insufficient.
What is the impact of milk shortages on Cuban children?
The shortage of milk is severely impacting Cuban children, as many do not receive their proper share of this essential food. The deficit of milk jeopardizes nutrition and child development, and in some cases, families must seek alternatives in the informal market at high prices.
What alternatives does the Cuban government offer in response to the lack of milk?
The Cuban government has attempted to replace powdered milk with chocolate mixes and cola syrup, options that lack the necessary nutritional value for children. These measures have been criticized for not adequately addressing the need for a reliable source of milk for the population.
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