A group of young Cuban women took to the streets of Santiago de Cuba to distribute food to those in need, marking a heartfelt initiative captured in a TikTok video shared by user @magguie_dvn on April 28.
"Today, we're cooking something more, something you can't see but can feel," the young woman expresses in the video, explaining how their decision to act stemmed from observing the dire circumstances around them and considering those who lack a meal.
"We chose to do this not because we have a lot, but because we realized that even with little, you can give," she states in the minute and 21-second clip.
The women described their experience as an enriching exchange, saying, "We set out to give food today. But we ended up receiving much more. Smiles. Sincere gazes. Genuine gratitude."
Amidst a Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
This initiative arises amid a severe humanitarian crisis particularly impacting Santiago de Cuba, where hunger-related fainting spells have been reported, along with people scavenging for food, and a noticeable rise in the number of beggars, elderly, and mentally ill individuals in the streets.
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights reports that 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty. Moreover, seven out of ten Cubans skip at least one daily meal due to food or financial shortages, a figure that climbs to eight out of ten among those over 61 years old.
An independent report released in 2025 highlights that one in four Cubans goes to bed without dinner, with 96.91% of the population affected by food access loss due to inflation, which has exceeded 500% since 2021.
Growing Movements of Solidarity
The efforts by these young women in Santiago are part of a growing trend of solidarity acts by Cubans on social media, as state responses remain insufficient.
Earlier this month, another group of Cuban youths prepared and distributed chicken with salad to the homeless, a gesture that also gained traction on TikTok.
In April 2025, a young mother from Matanzas handed out spaghetti, sausages, and rice with corn to the elderly, with her videos surpassing half a million views. In February of the same year, a Cuban YouTuber toured Havana, providing food, clothing, and basic supplies to vulnerable individuals.
Even Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, joined this movement in April 2026 with a campaign distributing food and medicine in Havana's parks, stating on Monday, "Let them know they have us."
Magguie concluded her video with a hopeful call for widespread solidarity: "I hope this doesn't remain just a video. I hope it becomes a chain, a drive. Something that inspires more people. Because when we give from the heart, it always reaches where it needs to go. And it always returns multiplied."
Understanding the Food Crisis in Cuba
What is the current poverty rate in Cuba according to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights?
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights reports that 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
How has inflation affected food access in Cuba?
An independent report from 2025 indicates that inflation has surpassed 500% since 2021, affecting 96.91% of the population's access to food.
How are Cuban citizens responding to the food crisis?
Many Cubans are using social media platforms like TikTok to share and document acts of solidarity, distributing food and supplies to those in need.