Mike Hammer, the head of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, visited several families in Bejucal, a municipality in Mayabeque, this past Saturday. His visit aimed to observe firsthand the impact of humanitarian aid sent by the U.S. government.
During his visit, Hammer interacted directly with the aid recipients to explain the purpose behind his trip: "We are here representing the United States government, President Trump, and Secretary Marco Rubio, to see how the aid is reaching you, whether it is improving the situation, and to understand how things are progressing."
Among the homes he visited was that of an elderly woman living alone, who had already consumed some of the food provided. "I opened a can of sardines yesterday, cooked a bit of rice in the afternoon, and enjoyed it," she shared with Hammer, showing the products she carefully stored to prevent spoilage during power outages.
Impact of Humanitarian Aid on Daily Life
Another beneficiary described the aid packages as "a great blessing, just in time," mentioning that they had already tasted the tuna and spaghetti. Her words highlighted the challenges faced by many Cubans: "Sometimes we have to improvise, and with a heavy heart, sometimes there's nothing, but, thank God, we are blessed."
The rechargeable lamps included in the aid packages proved particularly valuable amid the island's energy crisis. "Everyone is telling me the lamps are working well," Hammer noted during his visit.
Contents and Distribution of Aid Packages
The distributed packages in Bejucal contain essential food items—such as rice, beans, oil, sugar, pasta, sardines, and tuna—alongside hygiene and household products like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, water purification tablets, a plastic bucket, a 20-liter container, and a rechargeable lamp.
The aid delivery began on July 23 in Bejucal and Alquízar, Artemisa, facilitated by Cáritas Cuba and local parish networks, without any mediation from the Cuban regime. The distribution prioritizes the elderly, individuals with disabilities, pregnant or nursing women, and families with vulnerable children.
Scope and Future of U.S. Aid
This aid is part of a $100 million package announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May 2026, formalized by the State Department on May 13. The funding is allocated with $60 million managed by the Catholic Church—through Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Cuba—and $40 million directed to independent non-governmental organizations.
The first formal humanitarian flight departed from Miami on July 21, carrying approximately 18 tons of supplies, enough to support about 700 families within the Archdiocese of Havana during this initial phase. The aid aims to reach between 100,000 and 120,000 families nationwide in subsequent phases.
This is not Hammer's first visit to Bejucal; he previously toured the Santa Susana Convent's elderly home in June 2025, as part of his agenda to engage directly with Cuba's vulnerable communities. As he bid farewell to one of the families, Hammer reflected on the day's mission: "We wanted to see if the aid had arrived well and are glad to hear the food has been appreciated."
Understanding U.S. Humanitarian Aid in Cuba
What is the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Bejucal?
Mike Hammer visited Bejucal to personally assess the distribution and impact of U.S. humanitarian aid on local families.
What items are included in the aid packages?
The aid packages consist of basic food items like rice, beans, oil, sugar, pasta, sardines, and tuna, along with hygiene products and household essentials such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, water purification tablets, a plastic bucket, a 20-liter container, and a rechargeable lamp.
How is the aid distributed in Cuba?
The aid distribution is managed by Cáritas Cuba and local parish networks, targeting the elderly, disabled individuals, pregnant or nursing women, and vulnerable families, without involvement from the Cuban regime.
What is the scope of the U.S. aid program in Cuba?
The U.S. aid program aims to benefit between 100,000 and 120,000 families across Cuba, with a $100 million package announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, managed by Catholic organizations and independent NGOs.