Lisbeet Bárzaga, a Cuban mother, has become a poignant symbol of the food crisis in Cuba after sharing a video on Facebook where her young daughter tearfully asks for meat and plantains, faced with a plate of just rice and beans.
In the video, the child expresses her desire for meat and plantains, lamenting that she doesn't enjoy eating "just rice and beans." Her words resonate with a deep sense of longing and dissatisfaction.
Lisbeet commented, "When your child says that and you can't do anything, it breaks your heart."
The video quickly garnered nearly 40,000 views and sparked a wave of reactions. While many showed support, others criticized the mother, accusing her of using her child's image online to solicit money.
Addressing the Critics
Operating under the profile "LisbeetBarzagaLifestyle," Bárzaga documents her daily life in Cuba. She responded to the backlash with a second video, clarifying her intentions and standing her ground.
"This is the reality for 90% of Cubans, for those of us without relatives abroad sending money. Despite working humbly, we can't provide even the basics for our children," she asserted.
Born in Camagüey and now residing in Cienfuegos, Bárzaga firmly rejected the accusations and defended her daughter's innocence, stating she was simply asking for what any child would.
"I never asked for money from anyone. Please, stop insulting people," she emphasized, warning that she would report any abusive comments.
The Reality of Cuba's Food Crisis
She explained her work as an influencer for Amazon and Temu, promoting shopping links, and clarified that she has not sought charity or handouts.
Bárzaga also criticized the hypocrisy of her detractors, many of whom she claims speak from a comfortable position: "Stop acting like you have the whole truth in your hands from your cars or air-conditioned homes in the U.S. or even here in Cuba."
She concluded with a powerful statement reflecting the frustration of countless Cuban families: "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. You’re just revealing all that poison you carry inside."
This mother’s situation is far from unique.
Cuba is experiencing its worst food crisis in recent history. Independent organizations report that 96.91% of Cubans lack adequate access to food, with 33.9% of households having at least one member go to bed hungry in the past 30 days.
Food production in the country has plummeted by 67% over five years, and Cuba relies on imports for 80% of its consumption.
Children are the most affected by this scarcity. In November 2025, UNICEF reported that one in ten Cuban children suffers from food poverty, and 48.5% of schoolchildren aged six to 11 receive no meals at their schools.
Similar stories have gone viral, including a mother confronting local authorities for food, and another weeping on camera, declaring, "The children are starving."
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
What is the current food crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing its most severe food crisis in recent history, with 96.91% of the population lacking adequate access to food and a significant drop in national food production.
How are Cuban children affected by the food scarcity?
Cuban children are severely impacted, with reports indicating that one in ten suffers from food poverty, and many do not receive meals at school.
What has been the public reaction to Lisbeet Bárzaga's video?
The video sparked a mix of support and criticism, with some accusing Bárzaga of exploiting her daughter's situation, while others empathized with her plight.