In the midst of the severe food scarcity impacting numerous Cuban families, two churches in Santiago de Cuba provided a lifeline this past Saturday. At the Parish of Santa María and the San Pedro Mission, a total of 441 people were served a warm, community-driven meal.
Despite the day's challenges, including a complete lack of electricity, the first church, Santa María, managed to prepare a meal featuring white rice, salami in sauce, and yucca. This was all made possible through significant effort, as highlighted by Father Rodhin A. Colomar on his Facebook page.
Meanwhile, at San Pedro Mission, the menu consisted of ground meat, rice, and plantain puree. These dishes were prepared under equally difficult conditions, as the team had to rely on wood for cooking due to the absence of power. "Thanks to the San Pedro Mission Executive Committee, Osmany, Tony, Sucely, and her family for their dedication. They cooked everything with wood because of the all-day power outage," the priest noted.
Community Spirit and Donations Fuel Efforts
This heartening event was made possible by the generosity of donors, the dedication of the Parish Council, young volunteers, and several families who committed themselves to service.
This act of goodwill is part of a broader trend of similar initiatives across Cuba. For instance, the solidarity project "Hermanos de la Calle" has been active in Sancti Spíritus, organizing activities to aid the most vulnerable. Recently, they distributed food to those lacking adequate governmental support.
Growing Commitment to Aid Amid Crisis
In December 2023, the project "Aliento de Vida" hosted a Christmas dinner for 50 homeless individuals, illustrating the increasing dedication of Cubans to support their fellow citizens during these trying times.
Furthermore, in August 2024, young Cubans came together to provide snacks to the homeless in Santiago de Cuba, showcasing the community's commitment to assisting those in need.
Similarly, in September 2024, Cuban priest Leandro NaunHung taught the preparation of sampa, a long-lasting food alternative, as a practical solution amidst the country's ongoing economic and food crisis.