The dire economic situation in Cuba, paired with a chronic food shortage, has driven many to unimaginable extremes. As the prices of goods continue to soar beyond the reach of most citizens, an increasing number of people are resorting to scavenging for food, even in dumpsters, to survive. In a new illustration of this harsh reality, a woman was seen collecting spilled yogurt right off a public street in Santiago de Cuba, showcasing how hunger and desperation are reshaping daily life on the island.
Yosmany Mayeta, a journalist renowned for highlighting the stark realities of Santiago de Cuba often overlooked by official media, shared this unsettling image on his Facebook account. In the video, the woman can be seen using an object to scoop up the yogurt from the pavement, attempting to gather it into some form of container.
Although this scene may seem bizarre, such occurrences are becoming increasingly common in Cuba. Just two days prior, Mayeta reported a similar incident: during an agricultural fair in Santiago de Cuba, a man was observed picking up ground meat from boxes discarded on the street.
"History repeats itself: Man eats ground meat from discarded boxes at the Santiago de Cuba fair," Mayeta pointed out, emphasizing that such scenarios have been reported multiple times across various Cuban cities.
In December, a group, including children, was caught collecting spilled beans from the street in Santiago de Cuba, highlighting the severe economic crisis forcing many to seek out basic foodstuffs under precarious conditions. The previous month, in November, a shameful incident took place on Yarayó Street, where two women, three men, and a young boy didn't hesitate to gather tomato puree from the road with their hands, placing it into barrels and plastic bags.
Understanding the Food Crisis in Cuba
What is causing the food shortage in Cuba?
The food shortage in Cuba is primarily due to the economic crisis, exacerbated by political policies, international sanctions, and inefficiencies in the domestic agricultural sector.
How are people in Cuba coping with the food crisis?
Many Cubans are resorting to scavenging for food in unconventional places such as dumpsters and streets. This desperation is driven by high food prices and limited availability of basic necessities.
What role do social media and independent journalists play in reporting the crisis?
Social media and independent journalists like Yosmany Mayeta are crucial in bringing attention to the realities on the ground in Cuba, as state media often underreports or ignores such issues.