Related videos:
Cuban authorities reported the distribution of 900 grams of peas to specific groups in Santiago de Cuba, as part of donations from the World Food Program aimed at individuals affected by weather events.
The announcement was initially published by the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) on social media, where it was explained that the distribution benefits children from 0 to 4 years, 11 months, and 29 days, seniors over 65 years old, and pregnant women.
Subsequently, the state broadcaster CMKW Radio Mambí shared the same information regarding the product delivery in the province.
The MINCIN publication generated numerous reactions on social media, where many users questioned the age ranges defined for receiving food.
Among the comments, several internet users criticized the exclusion of children over four years old from the distribution. "What about the children from 5 to 13? What do they eat?" asked one user. Another pointed out, "Did they forget that children from seven years old received nothing? Remember that they are of school age and need proper nutrition; what will become of their future?"
Other comments emphasized that students also need food support. “Children aged 5 and up need proper nourishment to be able to attend school, and they never receive anything,” wrote one person. Likewise, another user commented, “What about the other children who go to school? Are they not children? What are they?”
There were also questions about the exclusion of a large part of the adult population. “So what do children aged 5 to 13 and people aged 14 to 64 eat? They should give it equally to everyone; ships with donated food from all over the world have arrived here,” wrote an internet user.
Another comment expressed frustration with how beneficiaries are defined: "from 0 to 4 years and 11 months and 29 days, and pregnant women over 65 years, very well, so where does the other part belong in Cuba? Because everyone needs food."
Some users reacted with irony to the measure. "Thank God here in El Cobre, children aged 5 and up drink enough water since they are not kids and can go out to find their food," one person quipped.
Other comments were more direct in their criticism. "It's a mockery," stated one user. Another pointed out, "What a lack of respect!"
The critical reaction was also reflected in the publication of CMKW Radio Mambí, where several users once again questioned the distribution's exclusion of a large part of the population.
Among the comments, one noted: "From 5 years to 64, they are forgotten." Another wrote: "When in reality, the children aged 4 and up are the ones who need to go to school and also require nutrition."
Amidst the food shortages affecting the country, announcements about limited distributions of basic products have sparked similar reactions on social media across various provinces.
In Las Tunas, for example, authorities recently announced the distribution of one pound of sugar per person for the month of February under the rationing system, an amount that sparked criticisms among consumers with comments such as “One pound, what does that solve?” or “One pound? Oh my God, aren't you ashamed? That barely lasts for 5 days.”
Similar reactions have been recorded when announcements are made about supposed enhancements to the basic basket of goods. In the Guantanamo municipality of Imías, for example, users questioned official announcements regarding new food offers and some comments pointed out that the measures are not reflected in practice, with phrases like “And those of us aged 13 to 65, should we die of hunger?”
The reactions reflect the dissatisfaction of the population regarding the food shortage and the limitations in the distribution of basic products, as well as the debate generated by deliveries directed solely to certain groups deemed vulnerable.
Filed under: