A young Cuban resident in Mexico who traveled back to the island to visit his family was deeply shocked by the severe food shortages and exorbitant prices. The TikTok user known as Michel Crónicas shared a video after leaving a store where he could only purchase a five-liter jug of water, a bottle of lemon juice, and a pack of chicken breasts. "It's a constant daily struggle to get some food in Cuba. There was a huge line at the store because they had chicken breasts, and you could only get one pack per person," he said.
Upon returning home, his mother, Alina, particularly mentioned the plight of retirees, who with their meager pensions, cannot afford the high prices of groceries either in stores or markets. She thanked her son for the help he provides. "Sadly, it is a challenge to eat a plate of food here in Cuba," he assured.
Alina had been visiting Mexico with Michel and returned to Cuba to bring her husband back to the Aztec country for good. Michel posted a video of his mother at a supermarket in Mexico City, where they bought products to bring back to their relatives in Cuba. Alina has visited Mexico on other occasions, invited by Michel.
In September, the YouTuber documented their visit to a supermarket, where Alina was amazed by the quantity and variety of products available, such as mayonnaise and vegetable oils. "So many brands, Michel, this is more than enough," she said. She was also shocked by the prices: "In Cuba, this bottle would already cost 500 pesos."
Challenges Faced by Cubans Returning from Abroad
The article highlights the hardships faced by Cubans upon returning to their homeland, especially in terms of food scarcity and high costs. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding this situation.
What are the main challenges for Cubans in obtaining food?
Cubans face severe food shortages and high prices. Basic items are often scarce, and when available, they come with long lines and rationing, like one pack of chicken breasts per person.
How are retirees coping with food prices in Cuba?
Retirees in Cuba struggle significantly due to their small pensions, which are insufficient to cover the high costs of food in stores and markets.
Why did Alina return to Cuba from Mexico?
Alina returned to Cuba to bring her husband back to Mexico for good, aiming to improve their living conditions away from the dire situation in Cuba.