Every December, a family in Matanzas opens their home to offer a meal to less fortunate neighbors, utilizing a small yard to grow some of their own food and share with the community—a practice that has become a means of survival amidst the current crisis.
This uplifting story was highlighted by the official Granma newspaper, which showcases Raúl Benítez Montero and his family as a model of community solidarity while also promoting home gardening as a viable solution to ease food shortages.
“Every year, during December, Raúl Benítez Montero and his family welcome neighbors facing economic hardship to their table,” states the publication.
Among those who have joined these gatherings is Lázaro Montalvo, an elderly local who expresses gratitude for the family's generosity.
Benítez, who leads the Hugo Chávez CDR in Matanzas, emphasizes that their goal is for vulnerable individuals to "feel supported."
Gardening as a Lifeline
This initiative unfolds in a challenging context, acknowledged even by the state media, which describes severe power outages, escalating daily struggles, and numerous constraints—often blaming these issues on U.S. policies towards Cuba.
In this environment, Benítez dedicates time to cultivating his small garden, which, according to the article, helps supply his family’s dining table.
His garden includes avocado, bananas, soursop, citrus fruits, guava, coffee, and medicinal plants. He also raises pigs and chickens.
Benítez clarifies that this is not a commercial venture but a way to supplement his family’s resources and "extend a helping hand to many neighbors."
Promoting Small-Scale Agriculture
The article utilizes his story to advocate for a practice that state media deems beneficial amidst current hardships: encouraging anyone with the means to cultivate "their own piece of land."
Granma notes that in Matanzas, thousands of small gardens or plots are already being used for this purpose, providing crucial support to household economies at a time when securing food remains a major concern for many Cuban families.
This initiative illustrates the growing importance of domestic production in the face of scarcity: from small fruit and vegetable gardens to raising animals, any available space can become an additional food source.
The generosity of the Matanzas family echoes other acts of solidarity that have emerged in Cuba during the food crisis.
In December 2025, residents of Mulgoba in Havana opened their homes to offer a Christmas Eve dinner to those who had nothing to eat. Some even volunteered to deliver meals to those unable to leave their homes.
Months later, in April, a group of Cubans organized a communal stew to distribute among needy neighbors. Each person contributed what they could—root vegetables, firewood, utensils, or ingredients—and the meal was enough for numerous local residents.
Key Insights into Community Support and Urban Gardening in Cuba
How does the Matanzas family support their community?
The family opens their home each December to provide meals to economically disadvantaged neighbors, using their garden to produce some of the food shared with the community.
What types of crops and animals does Raúl Benítez cultivate?
Raúl Benítez grows avocado, bananas, soursop, citrus fruits, guava, coffee, and medicinal plants. He also raises pigs and chickens.
Why is home gardening being promoted in Cuba?
Home gardening is encouraged as a way to combat food scarcity and support household economies by utilizing available spaces for food production.