The crisis in Cuba continues to present heartbreaking images of people in the streets searching for any opportunity to feed themselves. The scarcity of food and the rise in poverty have driven many to resort to extreme situations in their daily struggle for survival.
This was the case of a reel shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, where a man is seen apparently picking up ground beef from the boxes left in the Santiago de Cuba market.
"The story repeats itself: Man eats picadillo from discarded boxes at the fair in Santiago de Cuba," emphasized the communicator, denouncing that this situation has been reported at various times and in several Cuban cities.
In the video, two young people are heard calling the man by his name: "Liuber, what's up?"
To which he, bent over eating, responds: "In the struggle."
"Little by little, have you picked the tomatoes yet?" said the authors of the video, alluding to the fact that the man was gradually gathering the ground meat, likely to collect enough to have something to cook.
The food crisis in Santiago de Cuba has reached alarming levels, leaving scenes of desperation in the streets. In January 2025, a fight between two elderly women at an agricultural fair in the city highlighted the extreme shortage of food. The women, in a heated dispute over purchasing produce, resorted to blows, reflecting the anguish of the most vulnerable sectors in the face of a lack of basic resources.
In December 2024, the image of people picking beans off the ground on 9th Street in Veguita de Galo caused a stir. Among those affected were even children in school uniforms, highlighting the impact of the crisis on Cuban families. The lack of food has forced many to gather products in unsanitary conditions, exposing the precarious situation faced by thousands of citizens.
This difficult reality was also experienced in November, when several people collected spilled tomato puree on the central Yarayó street. Ignoring hygiene and risks, men and women hurried to grab what they could, a scene that often repeats itself due to the scarcity and the unaffordable prices of basic products.
The situation is even more critical for children. In September 2024, a case was reported of a father who, along with his two children, was selling peanuts and collecting cans on the streets of Santiago de Cuba to survive. The youngest child in the family, just six years old, carried a bag of cans in the hope of earning some money to buy food. This reality reflects the harsh daily struggle of many families who, without state support, are forced to resort to child labor to survive.
The crisis in Santiago de Cuba continues to worsen, leaving its residents in a constant battle for food and survival. Images of people searching for food on the ground and the despair of children and the elderly are a clear indication of the deteriorating living conditions on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why do we see people picking up food from the ground in Cuba?
The economic and food crisis in Cuba has driven people to extreme measures to obtain food. Faced with the shortage of basic products and high costs, many resort to picking up food such as ground meat, beans, and tomato puree directly from the ground to feed themselves. These actions reflect the desperation and precariousness in which thousands of Cuban citizens live.
What is the impact of the food crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
The food crisis in Santiago de Cuba has reached alarming levels, severely affecting the daily lives of its residents. The lack of basic resources has led to scenes of desperation, such as fights over food and the gathering of products from the ground in unsanitary conditions. This situation reflects the deterioration of living conditions and the constant struggle for survival on the island.
How is the Cuban government responding to the food shortage?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its inaction and lack of effective responses to the food crisis. Despite promises of improvements and logistical efforts, the population continues to face poor quality basic products and irregular distribution. Government inefficiency in ensuring access to essential food has left citizens in extreme and desperate situations.
What role do social media play in highlighting the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has been crucial in bringing visibility to the food crisis in Cuba. Through videos and posts, independent journalists and citizens have documented the despair and difficult living conditions, sparking debates and criticisms towards the government. These platforms have allowed the world to see the reality of the situation on the island, pushing for change and effective solutions.
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