The young Cuban mother identified as @anita.cubanita64 has sparked a strong reaction on TikTok after sharing a video that shows how she manages to make breakfast amid the scarcity and high prices in Cuba.
“In Cuba, people don’t have breakfast; most don’t even have a piece of bread or a glass of soda,” the young woman says as she holds a piece of toasted bread in a frying pan, served with tomato and oil. In the video, she explains that a bag of bread can cost up to 700 Cuban pesos and that, with the ration book, only one bread is allowed to be purchased per person per day, with no possibility of getting a second.
It relates that children have to save that one loaf of bread for the next day, and that those living on a salary cannot afford to buy more: “People who live on a salary cannot afford to buy a bag of bread every day, because otherwise, it won't be enough for anything.”
With a calm and resigned tone, he assures: “Today I thank God for having at least a stale piece of bread here, I don’t mind, I take it, toast it, and eat it happily with life.” He adds that often he has nothing to accompany it: “Sometimes I don’t have ham, I don’t have cheese, and I don’t have mayonnaise to put on it, but I am happy... I love bread with oil, whether it’s with oil or with onion, with avocado, with anything.”
The post sparked thousands of comments. Some focused on superficial details like her manicure. The young woman responded, “My nails are free, and besides, I like to look nice for my husband. I’m a woman.” She also explained that she used to be a manicurist and that her nails only cost her three dollars.
When prompted to make homemade bread, he replied, "With what flour, oil, sugar, yeast?" and added, "It's more expensive to make it; the flour, sugar, and yeast are wasted."
Beyond the criticisms, many comments expressed empathy and concern. Some wrote: “Understand that there is no food; you might have money, but there is no food,” or “It must be terrible to have bread with just oil.” Others asked if it’s possible to plant at home, if fishing is prohibited, or how to access basic food items.
The new testimony from @anita.cubanita64 adds to other similar accounts that depict the food crisis on the island. In a previous video, she herself lamented that “many people go to bed with an empty stomach” and that “the daily life of Cubans boils down to a single goal: what am I going to eat today.”
Another Cuban stated that “having breakfast with three eggs is a millionaire's luxury” on the island, while another demonstrated how a simple breakfast with bread, avocado, and onion can cost nearly a thousand Cuban pesos, which is a third of the average monthly salary.
According to a report from the Food Monitor Program, one in four Cubans goes to bed without having dinner and 29% only eat twice a day. 72% of households have had to adopt unhealthy diets due to a lack of access to varied or nutritious products. 64% of respondents hold the Cuban government responsible for the food shortages.
Meanwhile, the state corporation CIMEX has faced harsh criticism for promoting breakfasts with sandwiches and milkshakes amidst the most basic shortages, a post that many Cubans deemed cynical and out of touch with reality.
Breakfast of bread with oil has become a symbol of precariousness. In Matanzas, a young woman described it as “the true breakfast of Cubans”, while another young woman remarked that having coffee is more than a luxury in Cuba.
What started as a homemade video has become a window into the daily reality of millions of Cubans, where bread is not only scarce but may be the only food of the day. Among the comments, one reflection stands out above the aesthetic debate: People criticize the nails, but they fail to see the truly sad truth: that in Cuba, having bread for breakfast is a luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why is it so difficult to get bread in Cuba?
Getting bread in Cuba is complicated due to the shortage of flour and poor government management that affects consistent production. The supply booklet only allows for one loaf of bread per person each day, and the high cost of bread on the black market makes it inaccessible for most people living on a salary. Furthermore, interruptions in the production and distribution of bread, along with the scarcity of raw materials, exacerbate the situation.
How has the economic crisis in Cuba affected daily food consumption?
The economic crisis in Cuba has caused many families to be able to have only two meals a day and adopt unhealthy diets. The shortage of basic foods, rationing, and high prices have forced Cubans to make do with what they have. Products like bread, oil, and sugar, which are part of the traditional breakfast, are now considered luxuries and are not accessible to everyone.
What is the stance of Cubans regarding food shortages?
Many Cubans express resignation, but also resilience and creativity in the face of food shortages. Through social media, they share their experiences and strategies for coping with the lack of resources, demonstrating how they adapt to challenging conditions. The international community and Cubans abroad have also shown empathy and support for those living on the island.
What impact does the economic situation have on Cuban childhood?
Cuban childhood is severely impacted by food scarcity, as many children do not have access to an adequate diet. Families prioritize the children when it comes to food, yet many still face a lack of basic products like milk and protein, which can affect their long-term development and health.
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