The Cuban creator @darlingmores shared a video on TikTok stating that having breakfast with three eggs in Cuba is "a millionaire's luxury," due to the high price of the food and the low wages on the island. Her testimony has sparked a broad debate on social media, where many users agree that the food situation in the country has reached unimaginable extremes.
“You work an entire month just to buy yourself an egg fillet, and sometimes your salary doesn’t even cover that,” said the young woman. “You go to work struggling, you go hungry, you don’t buy yourself a snack, you don’t pay for transportation to get to work... and at the end of the month, you can’t even afford an egg fillet,” she added in her complaint, highlighting how what was once a normal part of life has turned into a luxury.
In response to comments on the same social network, the creator indicated that a carton of eggs can cost between 3,000 and 3,500 Cuban pesos, an amount that is unattainable for many workers, retirees, or families without support from abroad.
The comments on the video show both support and skepticism. Some validated the seriousness of the testimony, while others accused her of exaggeration or inconsistency for maintaining a polished appearance. The author herself responded with irony to those who suggested she raise chickens: “If I had an apartment, tell me how to do it.”
The case of @darlingmores is not isolated. In another viral video, the Cuban mother @flaki_gely stated that eggs, which were once common in the diet, are no longer consumed by everyone. Her account also emphasized the difficulty in accessing essential products like oil or fruits.
User @kary_y_jony explained that having coffee for breakfast is more than a luxury in Cuba, and that products like milk or pancakes are out of reach for most people.
The TikToker @sofia.gabes demonstrated that a simple breakfast with bread, avocado, and onion can cost up to 950 CUP, which represents approximately one third of a state worker's monthly salary.
According to a recent report from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), 89% of the population in Cuba lives in extreme poverty, and 71% have stopped having breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to a lack of money or food. 78% of those surveyed wish to emigrate.
Although the government announced an increase in the average monthly salary to 6,649 Cuban pesos, that amount is equal to just over 16 dollars at the informal exchange rate, which is not enough to cover even a week's worth of basic food.
In contrast, the hotel construction sector in Cuba offers salaries of up to 40,000 CUP, more than six times what many doctors or teachers earn, despite the low tourist occupancy and the critical state of the country.
In the midst of this situation, everyday testimonies from the island, such as that of @darlingmores, continue to give a face and voice to a reality that cannot be resolved with official statistics or promises, but rather with facts that have yet to reach the average Cuban.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why is breakfast with eggs so expensive in Cuba?
The high price of eggs in Cuba is due to scarcity and rampant inflation. National egg production has fallen drastically, and the price of a carton can exceed 3,000 Cuban pesos, making it an unattainable luxury for most citizens. The lack of supplies and the collapse of the poultry sector have worsened the situation.
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
The economic situation in Cuba is critical, with a large portion of the population living in extreme poverty. Inflation and the scarcity of basic products have led to the point where even simple foods are considered luxuries. Most Cubans are faced with salaries that do not suffice to meet basic needs, and food prices have reached record highs.
How does the food crisis affect the daily diet of Cubans?
The food crisis in Cuba has forced many people to reduce their daily food intake. Basic products like eggs, oil, and fruits have become luxury items, leading to a limited and impoverished diet for most Cubans. Reports indicate that a high percentage of the population has stopped having breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to a lack of money or food.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the food crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented salary increases and cooperative management models, but with little impact on the food crisis. Although an increase in the average salary has been announced, it remains insufficient to cover basic needs due to inflation. Furthermore, efforts to revitalize poultry and agricultural production have not significantly improved the food supply.
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