A young Cuban, known on social media as Joelito el Cubanito, shared a video on TikTok this past Wednesday that resonated deeply with thousands of Cubans both on and off the island. While preparing rice with chicken hash, he starkly criticized the dire crisis faced by the Cuban people in a heartfelt testimony lasting just over a minute, which many found profoundly moving.
The video begins with Joelito's powerful declaration: "Life in Cuba has turned into a complete disaster," as he invites his followers to join him in preparing what he describes as more than just an ordinary meal.
"I want you to join me in preparing today's meal. For many, it's just a regular lunch, but for us, it's become a daily struggle," Joelito explains, highlighting how even basic dishes have become unaffordable for many.
The Struggle for Basic Necessities
Joelito doesn't just show his kitchen; he lays bare the shortages that define everyday life in Cuba. "Rice is expensive, oil is nowhere to be found, and the people are left to talk. It's never available, and when it is, not everyone can afford it," he states in the video.
His story spans multiple generations: "Mothers are desperate, unsure of how to put food on the table for their children. Elderly folks can't even rely on their pensions for a month's worth of rice. And there are young people like me who work every day, yet still can't eat properly."
A Society in Resignation
One of the most striking moments is when Joelito describes the widespread resignation that has gripped Cuban society. "The saddest part is that we've normalized it all: having no potable water, enduring power outages for eight or ten days," he laments.
He concludes with a poignant insight many found to be at the core of the issue: "Many think it's just about the internet, water, and electricity problems. But no, the real issue is not being able to eat with dignity."
Widespread Impact of Economic Hardships
Joelito's testimony is not an isolated perception but rather a reflection of a documented and worsening crisis. According to the Food Monitor Program, 96.91% of Cubans lack adequate food access due to inflation and decreased purchasing power, based on May 2026 data.
The "In Cuba, There is Hunger 2025" survey revealed that 33.9% of households reported at least one person going to bed hungry in the past 30 days, compared to 24.6% in 2024.
The economic figures explain why rice with hash has become a luxury: rice costs over 400 Cuban pesos per pound on the informal market, while the average state salary is around 7,000 pesos monthly. This means a worker could only afford about 17 pounds of rice with their entire salary, without covering any other expenses.
The basic basket of goods is estimated to require at least 50,000 Cuban pesos per month, more than seven times the average salary.
Energy Crisis Compounds the Situation
Adding to the food scarcity is the energy collapse: Cuba has experienced at least seven total electrical system failures in 18 months, with blackouts lasting up to 20 and 24 hours a day in several areas, and a generation deficit exceeding 1,975 MW as of June 2026.
Even the Cuban Minister of Food Industry, Alberto López Díaz, acknowledged on June 6 during the Mesa Redonda program that, so far this year, oil, chicken, and yogurt have not been distributed through the ration card system, and only one of the six contracted wheat shipments for 2026 has arrived.
"Without energy, without fuel, it's impossible to produce food," the official admitted, a stark contrast to decades of regime promises about the island's food sovereignty.
Moreover, 80.4% of Cuban households saw their cooking capacity affected by power outages, and 48.3% lost food due to lack of refrigeration, according to the same food monitoring organization.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Crisis
What are the main causes of the food crisis in Cuba?
The primary causes of the food crisis in Cuba include inflation, reduced purchasing power, and inefficiencies in distribution, compounded by energy shortages that disrupt production and storage.
How have power outages impacted daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba have severely impacted daily life by affecting household cooking capabilities, leading to food spoilage due to lack of refrigeration, and causing widespread disruptions in daily activities.
What is the current state of Cuba's food distribution system?
Cuba's food distribution system is currently experiencing significant challenges, with critical shortages in essential items like oil, chicken, and wheat, as acknowledged by government officials.