A Cuban TikTok user, @yani.cubana99, has shared a video that highlights the challenges she faces in obtaining milk for her child amidst the ongoing shortage in Cuba. Her account sheds light on the harsh realities many families endure on the island.
In the video, the young mother begins by saying, "Here I am, starting my day, going to get some milk for my child. I want you to join me today to see what I have to go through." She explains that milk for children is rationed, just like most other essentials, distributed through a ration book system.
She further explains that her child enjoys milk, prompting her to ensure she always finds a way to get it. "This is cow's milk sold by some farmers who have cows. These 3 liters of milk cost me 360 Cuban pesos," she adds.
As she boils the milk in her kitchen, she poses an open question to her followers: "Let me know in the comments what you think about the price and the milk situation. Sometimes, when the milk doesn't arrive at the store, we go days without it, or they only give half a liter, and it becomes a huge problem."
The video sparked numerous reactions. Many expressed outrage over the prolonged use of the ration book, while others felt the informal market price was reasonable given the circumstances. One user commented, "My God, what a huge disrespect from that government, not even milk for the children. Our people don't deserve to suffer this much."
The Widespread Milk Crisis in Cuba
@yani.cubana99's testimony coincides with a structural crisis within Cuba's dairy industry, as reported by both official and alternative media sources.
In Santiago de Cuba, local authorities recently admitted that children aged 2 to 6 have not received their milk quotas, and those under one year have only partially received theirs. Meanwhile, Camagüey, historically known as the country's main dairy region, is experiencing a shortfall expected to exceed one million liters this year. Factors such as drought, illegal cattle slaughter, and lack of incentives have crippled the production system. Over the past five years, the province's milk output has plummeted from 92 million liters in 2019 to just 41.1 million in 2024, due to unpaid debts, mismanagement, and institutional neglect.
In Matanzas, more than 5,000 children and cancer patients are not receiving their milk due to production and distribution issues, forcing authorities to limit deliveries to every other day or every three days.
Amid a backdrop of scarcity, powdered milk theft, and prohibitively high black market prices—where a kilo can fetch up to 2,000 Cuban pesos—each liter of milk represents a daily struggle for many Cuban families.
Understanding Cuba's Milk Crisis
What factors contribute to the milk shortage in Cuba?
The milk shortage in Cuba is primarily due to drought, illegal cattle slaughter, lack of incentives for production, unpaid debts, and institutional neglect, leading to a significant decrease in milk production.
How are families coping with the milk shortage in Cuba?
Families are turning to the informal market, purchasing milk from local farmers, despite high costs. They also rely on the ration book system, though it often falls short of meeting their needs.
What is the impact of the milk crisis on Cuban children?
The milk crisis severely impacts Cuban children, particularly those between the ages of 2 and 6, as they often do not receive their necessary milk quotas, affecting their nutrition and overall health.