This Monday, the Provincial Government of Matanzas revealed that 44,760 vulnerable individuals are receiving essential food supplies—such as rice, peas, and sugar—after social workers conducted home visits across the province's 13 municipalities. However, the announcement sparked a wave of criticism and questions on social media.
Hidovaldo Díaz Martínez, the coordinator of Programs and Objectives for the Provincial Government, stated that a total of 54,683 people had been registered across delegations, popular councils, and municipalities. Yet, the official statement does not clarify what happens to the nearly 10,000 registered individuals who were not classified as most vulnerable.
The distribution of these food items will reportedly continue through November and December at the usual locations in both urban and rural areas, as confirmed by provincial directors of the Wholesale Company of Food and Consumer Products.
Additionally, the announcement includes deliveries from the World Food Program through December: five pounds of rice, one pound of peas, and one pound of oil for those identified as highly vulnerable. This group includes children under five, children with low weight or chronic childhood illnesses, and pregnant women, identified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
For the September-October period, the specified child and maternal groups are also receiving an extra liter of oil.
The statement acknowledges logistical challenges due to fuel shortages and suggests using electric tricycles for distribution, especially in urban areas.
The Provincial Government's Facebook post was flooded with comments questioning the criteria for beneficiary selection and the operation's effectiveness. One user asked, "Can someone explain who the vulnerable individuals are, so I know?"
Another questioned, "Who is considered vulnerable? At what age? What financial situation must a person have? Who conducts the interviews? I just need to know because no one has visited my block."
A resident of Cárdenas claimed social workers did not conduct the necessary visits, and food was not distributed to all in need: "Check the town thoroughly; people are tired of so many lies."
The sentiment of widespread frustration was encapsulated by a citizen's comment: "It's a lack of respect. The entire country is vulnerable."
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, by the end of September 2026, over 883,000 individuals were registered as highly vulnerable across the country, where the minimum pension is around 4,000 pesos monthly, equivalent to between seven and ten dollars. A survey by the Food Monitor Program released in May 2026 revealed that 33.9% of Cuban households had at least one member who went to bed hungry in the previous 30 days.
As ration book supplies dwindle for Cubans, Cáritas, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services, distributed 700 humanitarian kits in Matanzas on October 22. These kits included rice, beans, oil, brown sugar, pasta, sardines, tuna, and hygiene items, targeting families from the Vicariate of Our Lady of Charity, with an expected reach of 18,200 family units in the diocese.
The food crisis affecting the province—and the entire nation—has been raising alarms for months. In February, Matanzas authorities announced emergency measures in response to shortages, and in May, the provincial Party mandated that prepared food be ensured for at least one-third of the population.
Key Concerns about Food Aid in Matanzas
Who qualifies as a vulnerable person for food aid in Matanzas?
The criteria for vulnerability are not clearly defined in the official announcement, leading to public confusion. It includes children under five, children with low weight or chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, identified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
What are the logistical challenges affecting food distribution?
The food distribution faces logistical issues primarily due to fuel shortages, prompting suggestions to use electric tricycles, especially in urban areas, to ensure delivery.
How is the World Food Program assisting those in need?
The World Food Program is providing essential supplies through December, including rice, peas, and oil, to those identified as most vulnerable in Matanzas.