A recent TikTok video by Cuban creator @anita.cubana6 has gained widespread attention, offering a stark glimpse into the harsh realities of life in Cuba. The video showcases the struggles of finding food, dealing with exorbitant prices, and enduring power outages. While preparing eggs in her kitchen, she narrates the daily battle for survival on the island.
"In Cuba, the act of eating has become a daily challenge. Many wake up with nothing to eat and retire at night with empty stomachs. The daily focus of Cubans is singular: what will I eat today? The steep prices make the meager wages laughable. When you add the sleepless nights caused by power outages, it's clear that living in Cuba has become a true odyssey," she expressed.
Despite these hardships, the creator remains hopeful for change, stating, "We endure a lot, but I live with the hope that one day everything will change. I am very, very proud to be Cuban. Today, I can live a little better, but I also know what it's like to have nothing to eat."
The video has garnered thousands of interactions, receiving messages of support and solidarity from across the globe. Some viewers drew parallels with Venezuela's crisis, while others criticized the scarcity of basic food items and expressed frustration at the frequent blackouts and low wages in Cuba.
The Broader Picture of Food Scarcity
Comments on the video included shared experiences from places like Venezuela and Honduras, questioning the poor state of essential services in Cuba and criticizing the government. Messages of encouragement and blessings were also sent to the creator and her son, who appear in the video.
The testimony by @anita.cubana6 aligns with recent reports highlighting worsening food insecurity in the country. A study by the Food Monitor Program found that one in four Cubans goes to bed without dinner, and 29% manage only two meals a day. The study also showed that 64% of respondents blame the Cuban government for the food shortages.
Compounding these issues is the milk crisis, a staple for children. One mother posted on TikTok about the lack of milk in stores, stating, "Sometimes the milk doesn't arrive for days, or they only give half a liter," forcing families to turn to the informal market.
Economic Hardships and Energy Crisis
Other accounts reveal that people often "scavenge for a plate of food," as one young woman shared in a viral video, highlighting that Cuban salaries are insufficient for even basic needs.
The energy crisis exacerbates the situation: prolonged blackouts spoil food supplies. "Nobody cares about the effort to put a meal on the table," lamented a young man, showcasing how a package of sausages spoiled due to lack of electricity.
As Cubans share their struggles on social media, official statistics paint a different picture. The National Office of Statistics and Information reported an increase in the average salary to 6,649 pesos, which translates to a mere $16 at the informal exchange rate. This amount is far from enough to meet basic living needs, as a basic diet requires between 30,000 and 60,000 pesos monthly.
The disparity between official data and personal accounts is clear: social media is filled with stories of families surviving on one or two meals daily, losing food due to blackouts, or lacking access to milk for their children.
Videos like that of @anita.cubana6 not only reveal the everyday challenges in a Cuban kitchen but also serve as a social chronicle of a nation where securing food has become a daily struggle.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
What is the main cause of Cuba's food crisis?
Many believe that the Cuban government is primarily to blame for the food shortages due to its economic policies and mismanagement.
How are power outages affecting food availability?
Frequent power outages cause food to spoil, making it even more difficult for families to keep and prepare meals, exacerbating the food crisis.
How do Cuban salaries compare to living costs?
Despite official claims of salary increases, the real value of these wages is minimal when compared to the cost of living, leaving many unable to afford basic necessities.
What is the impact of the milk shortage on Cuban families?
The milk shortage is particularly challenging for families with children, forcing them to rely on the informal market or go without this essential nutrient.