Cuban mothers have had to endure endless lines in Santiago de Cuba to purchase ground meat sold by the regime for children in celebration of Children's Day, which was observed on June 1st.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on Facebook that residents from the Chicharrones and Flores neighborhoods complained about the disorganized sale of ground meat at the "Fin de Año" store, located in Chicharrones Park. Lines began forming at dawn and stretched for two blocks, with each child aged 0 to 6 years old eligible to receive two tubes of ground meat.
Many women had to line up as early as 5:00 AM because they "cannot afford to miss it" amid the island's severe food shortages. Employees of the state-owned CIMEX chain clarified that they would sell two tubes of ground meat at a price of 33.60 Cuban pesos for children between 0 and 6 years old, issuing two ration books per person in the line. Consumers were required to bring both the ration book and the child's ID card.
In the midst of Cuba's severe crisis, women not only face endless lines but also arbitrary measures by the regime, which excludes children aged seven and older from these "benefits." Many mothers have criticized this exclusion and questioned whether babies even consume ground meat. Families feel increasingly suffocated, especially with the upcoming summer vacation, as they will have children at home without sufficient food and without distractions to help them recover from an exhausting school year.
The children will not even be able to enjoy television programming due to power outages that can last up to 20 hours a day across much of the island.
Challenges Faced by Cuban Mothers During Food Shortages
This section addresses common questions and concerns about the difficulties faced by Cuban mothers during food shortages.
Why are Cuban mothers lining up so early for ground meat?
Cuban mothers are lining up as early as 5:00 AM to secure ground meat for their children due to severe food shortages on the island. Missing the opportunity to buy this essential item can have significant consequences for their families.
What are the criteria for receiving ground meat in Santiago de Cuba?
In Santiago de Cuba, each child aged 0 to 6 years old is eligible to receive two tubes of ground meat. Consumers must present both a ration book and the child's ID card to purchase the ground meat.
How are families coping with food shortages and power outages?
Families in Cuba are struggling to cope with severe food shortages and extended power outages. The upcoming summer vacation adds to their stress as children will be home without sufficient food and distractions.