Anindita Chatterjee
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:52 pm GMT
In a move signaling ongoing economic challenges, Cuba’s government has cut the daily bread ration by 25%, reducing the weight from 80 grams to 60 grams. This change, effective immediately, impacts one of the few remaining subsidized food products in the country, highlighting the strain on Cuba’s long-established ration system.
Ration Changes Amidst Food Shortages
The reduction in bread size comes as the Cuban government grapples with severe shortages of vital food supplies, particularly wheat flour. Citizens, most of whom earn around 4648 pesos a month (approximately $15), find it increasingly difficult to afford food on the private market. In light of the poorer quality and rising prices, many are left with little choice but to accept the government’s rationing adjustments.
Dolores Fernandez, a resident of Havana, expressed her frustration, stating, “We have to accept it, what else can we do? There’s no choice.”
The recent cutback also includes a slight decrease in the price of the bread, now set at just under 1 peso. However, the reduced allocation of bread speaks volumes about the growing food insecurity in Cuba.
Impact of the U.S. Trade Embargo
The Cuban government attributes much of the ongoing shortages to the decades-old U.S. trade embargo, which complicates its ability to engage in global financial transactions. This trade restriction has played a significant role in limiting access to essential ingredients, including the wheat flour necessary for bread production.
The crisis in Cuba isn’t confined to bread alone. There is a broader national crisis affecting food, fuel, and medicine availability. This dire situation has prompted record numbers of Cuba’s citizens to migrate to the United States, seeking better opportunities.
The Ration Book Tradition
Cuba’s ration book, known as the “libreta,” was once a symbol of Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959, providing various subsidized products such as meat, fish, milk, and cleaning supplies. Today, the ration system has shrunk significantly, offering only a fraction of what it once did and often failing to meet quality standards or even provide products consistently.
- Key points about the ration book:
– Ration Size: Reduced to 60 grams for bread
– Price: Slightly decreased to just under 1 peso
– Monthly Income: Average income around 4648 pesos ($15)
Bernardo Matos, another Havana resident, commented on the quality of the bread, noting, “The quality is terrible. The flour tastes like acid.” Such sentiments echo the frustrations many Cubans face as they navigate the challenges of daily life.
Government Responses to the Crisis
In response to these shortages and declining product quality, the Cuban government announced plans to increase inspections at state bakeries to ensure better standards. Earlier this year, Cuba also reached out to the World Food Programme to secure a reliable supply of subsidized powdered milk, underscoring the urgency of the food situation.
Global Context of Rationing
Outside of Cuba and a few other nations, rationing is mainly a strategy used during wartime or crisis conditions. The current approach in Cuba reflects a growing trend of economic distress within the nation, leaving many questions about the future of food security and quality for its citizens.
Conclusion
The recent cut in bread rations in Cuba shows how tough things are for people living there. The government says the problem is mostly because of outside issues like the U.S. embargo. Meanwhile, people are struggling with less food and harder times. Many Cubans are hoping for better days ahead, but right now, they are worried about having enough to eat. It’s important for leaders to find smart ways to help meet the basic needs of the people.
