The government of Sancti Spíritus has announced that the July basic basket will include some sweet surprises for a lucky few who can enjoy cake. Amid the ongoing food crisis affecting Cubans, Escambray interviewed Ariel Fernández Martín, director of the Business Group of Commerce in Sancti Spíritus. He confirmed that starting this month, a permanent food module will be distributed to children turning 15 years old.
The module, sold at a modest price, contains: "A cake, sandwich rolls, crackers, cheese, cream cheese, a bag of soft drinks or syrup, a pack of hot dogs, and a one-kilogram tube of ham." Essentially, the basics needed to throw a birthday party for the child.
The official highlighted that in July, this benefit will reach 421 teenagers, and the food module was approved as "a policy of the country to support children and youth." "All items will be controlled by the ration book in the retail trade units of each territory, whether in urban, rural, or Plan Turquino areas," he noted. The control of beneficiaries is managed by the Commercial Registry Offices based on a census they hold.
It was not detailed whether this food module will be sold to all quinceañeras in Cuba or how long the measure will remain in effect. The food crisis in Cuba has been so severe for decades that even birthday cakes have been rationed during various periods.
Birthday cakes have also been sold through the ration book to celebrate Mother's Day, but these "initiatives" were suspended years ago due to persistent shortages in state institutions producing these foods. Many Cuban parents lack the resources to celebrate their children's birthdays.
In early 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) published a report revealing that 9% of children in Cuba suffer from severe food poverty. The island's minors have access to a maximum of only two out of the eight essential foods required for a healthy life.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis and the New Birthday Food Module
In light of the new initiative to provide birthday food modules for quinceañeras, many questions arise about the overall food crisis in Cuba and the specifics of this new policy. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is included in the birthday food module for quinceañeras?
The module includes a cake, sandwich rolls, crackers, cheese, cream cheese, a bag of soft drinks or syrup, a pack of hot dogs, and a one-kilogram tube of ham.
Who is eligible to receive this food module?
Children turning 15 years old in the month of July are eligible to receive the module. The program aims to reach 421 teenagers initially.
How is the distribution of the food module managed?
Distribution is managed through the ration book system in retail trade units across urban, rural, and Plan Turquino areas. Beneficiaries are controlled by the Commercial Registry Offices based on an existing census.
How severe is the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba has been significant for decades, with shortages so severe that even birthday cakes have been rationed. A UNICEF report from early 2024 indicates that 9% of children in Cuba suffer from severe food poverty.