Joy EmehUpdated on: October 12, 2024 7:31 pm GMT
The people of Cuba are facing new food shortages as the government has cut the daily bread ration by 25%. This change, part of an ongoing crisis, has left many citizens worried about how they will secure enough food to feed their families.
Ration Cut Details
On Monday, the Cuban government announced that the weight of the subsidized bread ration will decrease from 80 grams to 60 grams, roughly the size of a cookie or a small bar of soap. The price for this reduced bread ration has been lowered to just under 1 peso, which is about one-third of a cent.
For many Cubans, who earn an average of 4648 pesos a month (around $15), this slight reduction in price does little to ease their struggles. The majority cannot afford to purchase more expensive bread from private markets, creating a crisis situation.
The new rationing plan comes amid a shortage of wheat flour, a key ingredient in bread production. The Cuban government attributes this shortage to the long-standing U.S. trade embargo, which complicates the country’s financial transactions with other nations.
Voices from the Streets
Residents across Havana expressed their frustrations regarding the bread ration cuts:
- Dolores Fernandez: “We have to accept it, what else can we do? There’s no choice.”
- Bernardo Matos: “The quality is terrible. The flour tastes like acid.”
Many people are concerned not just about the quantity but also the deteriorating quality of the bread they receive. Cubans remember when the ration book, or “libreta,” was a pillar of life, offering a variety of subsidized essentials, including milk and meat. These days, the government supplies only a fraction of the products that once sustained families.
Historical Context of Cubans’ Ration System
The “libreta,” established during Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959, used to provide a host of basic goods at subsidized prices. Unfortunately, over the years, fewer items have been available, and often deliveries are delayed, or products arrive in poor condition.
Today, rationing in Cuba has become a stark reminder of the economic struggles the nation faces, compounded by both domestic issues and international sanctions.
Warnings of Continuing Crisis
Cuba is currently grappling with extreme shortages not only of food but also fuel and medicine. These shortages have spurred a record-breaking exodus of citizens seeking better opportunities in the United States.
As the economic situation worsens, the government has had to limit offerings and tighten controls, leaving many citizens anxious about both their current living conditions and future prospects.
In light of these ongoing issues, Cuban authorities have sought assistance from international organizations. Recently, Cuba requested help from the World Food Programme to secure supplies of powdered milk, which has become another vital commodity in short supply.
Conclusion
The cutting of the daily bread ration in Cuba highlights the growing challenges faced by citizens as they navigate the complexities of an economic crisis rooted in both local inefficiencies and global pressures. As frustrations mount, citizens like Dolores Fernandez and Bernardo Matos are left to wonder how much longer their struggles will continue without substantial changes to their government and its policies.
Cuba is facing tough times right now. The government is trying to control things, but people still need basic supplies like food. Many people worry about having enough bread, which is a big part of their meals. Everyone is hoping things will get better soon so they can feel safe and have what they need in their everyday lives.
