The El Jordán Baptist Church, situated in the Guanabacoa district of Havana, gathered over 120 individuals this Thursday for their weekly community support event for senior citizens. This event features spiritual activities and a complimentary meal lovingly prepared by church members.
"Every Thursday, the Jordán Church dedicates itself to caring for the community's elderly. They enjoy a time of liturgy, personal interviews, poetry, and songs, followed by a delicious meal prepared with love by the church staff," the institution shared on Facebook.
The congregation described this initiative as a natural extension of their mission, expressing gratitude to all who have supported what they call "this life project."
Photos from the event depict elderly individuals seated in the church pews and around tables, enjoying plates of rice, grains, and other foods while volunteers handle the distribution. "May the Lord continue to bless the El Jordán church and its pastors with such a dedicated staff," commented one Cuban attendee.
Other congregations have taken similar paths. The William Carey Baptist Church in El Vedado organized a food, clothing, and household items distribution event for seniors in October, and the San Juan Methodist Church in Santiago de Cuba serves breakfast and lunch to over 400 individuals every Sunday.
However, these efforts are not without challenges. In September 2026, authorities in Minas, Camagüey, prohibited a church from delivering breakfasts to vulnerable individuals, forcing recipients to travel to the church to receive them.
A survey by the Food Monitor Program and Cuido60, presented in May 2026, revealed that 55.6% of people over 60 had lost complete access to food, and 53% of them spent all their income on groceries. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights estimated in September 2026 that nearly 79% of those over 70 years old cannot manage three meals a day.
Challenges Facing Senior Citizens in Cuba
What is the El Jordán Baptist Church doing for the elderly in Havana?
The El Jordán Baptist Church organizes weekly gatherings for the elderly, which include spiritual activities and a free lunch prepared by church members.
How are other churches in Cuba supporting senior citizens?
Other churches, such as the William Carey Baptist Church and the San Juan Methodist Church, have organized food distributions and provide meals to hundreds of elderly individuals on a regular basis.
What are some of the challenges faced by these charitable initiatives?
One significant challenge includes government restrictions, such as the prohibition of home delivery of meals to vulnerable individuals, requiring them to travel to receive aid.
What does the recent survey say about food access for the elderly in Cuba?
The survey indicates that over half of the elderly population has lost access to food, with many spending all their income on basic groceries, and a large percentage unable to secure three meals a day.