A Cuban teenager has touched the hearts of thousands on social media after receiving a meal during a donation event and declaring that he wouldn't eat it himself, saying, "I’m saving it for my grandparents." This heartwarming moment was captured in a video shared Friday by the profile Guajiro Digital on X.
A Gesture That Resonated
The young boy's act sparked a wave of reactions online. One user remarked, "This child shows more dignity and honor than all the well-fed leaders of this country." Another added, "Cuba died years ago; what remains is a ghost we try to revive."
Moved by his response, those distributing the meals gave the teenager an additional food box and a can of soda so he could have something to eat himself.
Calls for Change
The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP), which reposted the video on Facebook where it garnered over 57,000 views, called on the regime to "adopt measures ensuring the population's access to adequate food and to end policies exacerbating the hardships faced by thousands of families on the island."
A Widespread Crisis
This video is not an isolated incident; it reflects a crisis that independent organizations describe as a humanitarian emergency. According to the "Hunger in Cuba 2025" survey by the Food Monitor Program and Cuido60, 96.91% of the population lacks adequate food access, and 33.9% of households reported that a member went to bed hungry at least once in the previous 30 days.
A staggering 80% of Cubans believe the current situation is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s. In fact, 79.4% of households spend 80% or more of their income solely on trying to feed themselves, and 40.6% use all their earnings just for food.
The Stark Reality
The government itself has acknowledged the extent of the collapse. In June, the Minister of Food Industry, Alberto López Díaz, admitted that no oil, chicken, or yogurt had been distributed all year, and in Havana, only one round of coffee had been delivered.
The disparity between the regime's elites and the common people is particularly glaring. Earlier this month, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro, told USA Today, "It pains me that people cannot live like I do," imagining a Cuba where citizens could buy foie gras in supermarkets. He has been spotted wearing luxury brands like Hermès, Hugo Boss, and Emporio Armani, and sporting a Rolex Submariner, while millions of Cubans struggle to put food on the table. His comments sparked outrage both in Cuba and among the Cuban diaspora.
Not an Isolated Incident
This isn't the first time a similar gesture has captured attention on social media. In January, a young Cuban shared his lunch with several elderly individuals, a scene that also went viral. In April, a Cuban grandmother summed up the harsh reality for many: "We only eat rice, old folks and children alike."
Guajiro Digital concluded its post with a poignant observation: "This child saves the food given to him for his grandmother. Cuba is dying, folks."
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
What sparked the recent social media attention in Cuba?
A Cuban teenager decided to save a donated food box for his grandparents, a gesture that was shared widely and touched many people online.
How severe is the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is dire, with 96.91% of the population lacking adequate access to food, and 33.9% of households experiencing hunger regularly.
What has been the government's response to the food shortage?
The government has acknowledged the crisis, with the Minister of Food Industry admitting to significant shortages of basic food items like oil and chicken.