Leanis Ramírez, a Cuban immigrant who recently made her way to the United States after spending several months in Mexico, shared a video of her first shopping experience using food stamps. The video, posted on her TikTok account @leanis.ramirez, captures her enthusiasm as she navigates an American grocery store and details her purchase.
"Join me for my first food stamps shopping trip in the United States. I'll show you everything I bought," Leanis began, showcasing the items she selected for her meals. She listed ingredients like tomatoes, cabbage, white onions, and bell peppers to flavor her dishes. However, she also expressed surprise at the high prices, noting that four bell peppers cost her $4. Other items in her cart included malanga, fruits like tangerines and papaya, potatoes, and milk, although she admitted she forgot to record the milk purchase.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when Leanis explored the meat section of the store. "Every Cuban knows this drives us crazy because we don't have this in Cuba," she said with a laugh, examining the prices. Ultimately, she chose ground beef, steak, and chicken breasts. Additionally, she picked up tomato puree, coffee, and a childhood favorite treat, lollipops.
The total cost of her shopping trip was $152. While Leanis found this a bit expensive, she still considered the food stamps to be a "great help." She noted that prices in her state are higher compared to other parts of the country.
Her followers quickly reacted to her video. Some were surprised by her comments about the scarcity of meat in Cuba, with one user asking, "What do you mean there's no meat in Cuba? Or did I misunderstand that part?" Others sought advice on how she managed to cross the border and connect with people who assisted her: "Can you share the contact of the person who picked you up in Laredo?" one follower inquired. Most comments were supportive, congratulating her on this new chapter in the U.S. and showing interest in the prices she mentioned.
One follower humorously commented, "How expensive, man, you just got here," while another appreciated her content, saying, "aaaa, I'm glad you watch my videos," in response to her gratitude. Followers also flooded the comments with heart and applause emojis, celebrating her first shopping experience in the U.S.
Leanis has been documenting her migration journey since leaving Cuba, and this video highlights a significant step in her adjustment to American life. Despite the high prices of some items, she seems to be enjoying the conveniences her new environment offers.