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A post published on Facebook by activist Lara Crofs regarding the food situation in a children's circle in the Bahía neighborhood, in the Guiteras area of Havana, sparked a wave of comments, complaints, and criticisms on social media.
In her Facebook post, the activist wrote: “Childcare centers without food,” and noted that she had seen the information “in one of the many groups in my neighborhood.” She also stated that she offered her support because “they are children and they bear no responsibility for what is happening,” and considered that this situation highlights “how the regime neglects the people and, among them, one of the most vulnerable sectors: children.”
In an image with a red background accompanying the post, the following message reads: “Any Mipyme from Bahía that takes the initiative to help with some food, the circle 'May the sun always shine' says the children are only eating rice.”
Many of the comments express outrage and assert that the situation is not isolated to that center. "It's not just the circles; even primary schools only have rice, it's not easy for anyone," wrote one user. Another commented, "At my grandson's school, they served rice and tough beet."
Several testimonies indicate that, in addition to rice, some centers may be serving peas or other basic preparations. "Rice and pea water. They didn't even give us bread," a mother recounted about what her son told her upon leaving the center. Another person wrote, "they are eating peas and cornmeal." It is also noted, "They took away their snacks."
Some comments point out restrictions on parents bringing additional food. "They don't allow each child to bring their lunch like in schools," wrote one user. Another stated, "they hardly allow any food to help, not even for the parents themselves." Along the same lines, another message noted, "they don't let you bring anything."
There were also questions about the role of the State. "The government is responsible for ensuring that food supply, not the individual small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," wrote one person. Another commented, "SMEs are not the ones to blame; the regime, which acts as the government, is the one to hold accountable." Another comment stated, "Municipal education is responsible for this situation."
International aid was mentioned in several interventions. “And the aid and thousands of dollars for the coffers of dictators and the military,” wrote one user. Another asked, “And with the many tons of donations that are coming into the country, haven’t they been able to distribute them to children's circles?” It also reads: “And what about the aid donated by Mexico?”
Some people called for more drastic measures. "Don't send the kids, let them stay at home," commented one user. Another wrote, "Let the government spend the money it has on that and not on making sure their children and relatives live lives of luxury."
The discussion included testimonies from other regions. "That's how all the schools and circles are," stated one person. Another wrote: "That's the case throughout all of Cuba."
Other comments detailed similar situations in different municipalities and provinces. “In my daughter’s school in San Miguel del Padrón, they are only serving peas,” wrote one person. Another stated: “The same thing happens here in San Miguel; my friend has to pay someone to pick up my godchild around noon due to a lack of food at the daycare.”
From the 10 de Octubre municipality, difficulties were also reported: "My girls are from 10 de Octubre, and they are like this. Besides their bad cold, they haven't attended the school for a month." In Arroyo Naranjo, it was noted: "All the schools and circles in Arroyo Naranjo are like this, including Volodia Primary, and many times there isn't enough for all the children."
In the eastern part of the country, several users described similar scenarios: "Here in Holguín, they are eating peas and cornmeal." It is also mentioned: "This is how it is in Sancti Spíritus, just rice and a small piece of bread for lunch, nothing more, it's sad."
Other messages were more general: "This is happening all over Cuba, and the government keeps saying that children's rights are respected here." Another comment stated: "This is happening throughout Cuba; it breaks your heart to see so much hunger and so many needs in childhood, the future of Cuba dying of hunger."
Beyond the specific request for support, the publication sparked a broader debate on social media, where users exchanged complaints, testimonies, and questions about the food situation in state educational centers. What began as a concrete request for a children's circle in the Bahía neighborhood ended up reflecting a more widespread discontent among parents and family members who describe difficulties in ensuring proper nutrition for children in state institutions.
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