"What we're going through in Cuba is beyond words," says Sheyla, a young woman from Matanzas who has stirred social media by revealing the steep prices she paid for a few basic groceries from a street vendor. In a TikTok video (@sheyreyes032), she shares how she spent 1,700 Cuban pesos—more than half the salary of a state worker—on a small purchase: a bunch of bananas, a tiny jar of sweet peppers, and four pounds of tomatoes.
Sheyla explains that official markets are barren, leaving many people to rely on private vendors. However, these prices are not affordable either, with a single onion costing up to 900 pesos. She warns that many families go without food daily, and some elderly individuals survive on banana peels, water, and coffee. "Most people here are counting every peso, rationing portions, enduring hunger," she expressed, visibly frustrated by the dire conditions Cubans face.
The video sparked immediate reactions. Many commenters questioned where these street vendors source their products if the state fails to supply them, while others wondered why home gardening isn't more encouraged. Comparisons were drawn between Cuba's prices and those in other countries, highlighting that the average salary is insufficient even for a modest meal.
This testimony adds to a series of viral posts highlighting the challenges of feeding oneself on the island. In May, user @kary_y_jony reflected on how having coffee for breakfast in Cuba is "more than a luxury," with items like milk or pancakes out of reach for most. Days earlier, Spanish YouTuber Juanjo Dalmau documented the unsanitary conditions of meat sold in a Cuban agromarket, with pieces exposed to the open air and covered in flies. "Can you even eat this?" he asked, as a customer replied they had no choice.
Another viral video showed a Cuban woman displaying what was received through the ration book: rice, beans, peas, and a small portion of compote for two people for an entire month. Comments on the post spoke of misery, indignation, and neglect.
A Consistent Voice on Cuban Realities
Sheyla is no stranger to sharing such content. On another occasion, she touched many with a small act of kindness: preparing a simple meal for a retired neighbor. "It's not much, but I give it with love," she said while cooking with charcoal due to the lack of domestic gas.
Amid an ongoing food crisis and the breakdown of official distribution channels, stories like Sheyla's highlight the stark gap between the government's narrative and the harsh reality faced by thousands of Cuban households.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
Why are food prices so high in Cuba?
Food prices in Cuba are high due to a combination of factors including economic mismanagement, limited supplies, and a struggling agricultural sector, which are exacerbated by the government's inadequate distribution systems.
How are Cuban families coping with food shortages?
Many Cuban families cope with food shortages by rationing portions, relying on street vendors despite high prices, and using alternative sources like home gardens. However, these measures often fall short of meeting basic nutritional needs.
What role does the government play in Cuba's food crisis?
The Cuban government's role in the food crisis includes centralized control over production and distribution, which has led to inefficiencies and a lack of incentives for increased agricultural productivity. This has resulted in chronic shortages and high prices.