Surviving on Rationed Food: Cuba's Cold War Legacy and Current Economic Hunger
In the heart of Havana, María de los Ángeles Pozo reminisces about the days when a simple government ration book, the “Libreta,” was a lifeline for her family, providing everything from basic staples to indulgent treats like chocolate and beer. Launched in 1963, this system became a cornerstone of Cuba’s socialist structure, sustaining its people through tumultuous times such as the infamous “Special Period” in the 1990s following the withdrawal of Soviet support. Fast forward to the present, and Cuba finds itself in the grips of a profound economic crisis, driving hundreds of thousands of its citizens to seek new beginnings in the United States and Europe.
The evolving landscape of Cuba presents a stark contrast for its residents, who are grappling with a newfound reality of inequality and economic disparity. The emergence of small private markets, a rarity in a nation long dominated by state-controlled commerce, has brought forth exorbitant prices that mirror international standards. This sudden shift has left many Cubans feeling unequipped to navigate a system that offers meager monthly incomes ranging from $16 to $23, a far cry from the demands of a market economy now at play.
Against this backdrop of economic turmoil, the recent wave of protests in Santiago has reverberated across the island, with chants of “Electricity and food” echoing the sentiments of a populace strained by scarcity and discontent. Social media platforms have become channels for dissent and solidarity, with videos capturing the unrest finding resonance both within Cuba and among its diaspora abroad. The estimated $3 billion remitted by Cuban expatriates in 2019 stands as a testament to the enduring ties that bind a nation in flux.
In the realm of agriculture, Cuba’s struggle to meet production targets underscores the systemic challenges plaguing its economy. From dairy farms in Camaguey to crop fields in the countryside, producers contend with government-set prices that fail to cover basic expenses, exacerbating an already precarious situation. The Cuban government, in turn, attributes the nation’s economic woes to a confluence of factors, including the disruptive impact of COVID-19, punitive U.S. sanctions, and internal macroeconomic shifts that have precipitated soaring inflation rates and a contracting GDP.
As Cuba grapples with its economic quagmire, the prevailing sentiment among its populace centers on the urgent need for meaningful reform. The juxtaposition of low productivity, rampant inflation, and paltry wages underscores a pressing call for systemic change. For many Cubans, the government’s failure to address these fundamental issues represents a pivotal juncture in the nation’s trajectory, one that demands bold solutions and a vision for a more equitable future.
