Content creator Yudith Garcés Garcés recently shared a reel on Facebook, illustrating the disheartening impact of power outages and heat on her food supplies in Cuba.
In a poignant question that encapsulates the plight of numerous families on the island, the Cuban mother asks, "How do you explain to your children that there's no food because it spoiled?"
Garcés Garcés emphasizes that her intention is not to elicit sympathy but to highlight a daily reality in Cuba. Families are unable to effectively manage their household economies or plan meals in advance due to the inability to preserve food.
"I'm not here to seek pity. My goal is to showcase the reality Cuban families face and provide evidence of what all mothers in Cuba are going through," she states.
Her words convey a deeper sentiment than just material loss. "It's not just about losing food; it's about the lost effort, time, money, and the hope of providing a meal."
The reactions to her video are filled with a mix of helplessness and solidarity. "It hurts so much, there are no words," one follower commented. Another shared, "It broke my heart. May God help you. Father, how much longer?"
Another user, with resignation, noted, "You have to buy daily. It shouldn't be this way, but it's the reality. Someday I hope everything changes. We must have faith. It's incredibly painful in Cuba."
Amidst the despair, one commenter offered practical advice on preserving meat without refrigeration: salting it in the sun for a few days, frying it in lard sealed in a glass jar, or using vinegar and garlic for pickling.
Her final warning was clear: "If you don't have salt, don't keep raw meat. Cook it all thoroughly today; it lasts longer cooked than raw."
The Energy Crisis Fueling Food Loss
Cuba experienced its sixth total collapse of the National Electric System on the night of Sunday, August 2. By Monday morning, only 14% of power had been restored in Havana.
Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged on July 30 that some communities have endured 105 consecutive days of blackouts. He cautioned that there is no immediate solution to this national energy crisis.
Impact of Blackouts on Food Security
The 2025 National Food Security Survey by the Food Monitor Program, which collected 2,513 responses across Cuba’s 16 provinces, found that 47.59% of households lost refrigerated food, with figures exceeding 80% in provinces like Granma, Matanzas, Pinar del Río, and Sancti Spíritus.
The study also highlighted that 96.91% of the Cuban population lacks adequate access to food.
Stories like that of Garcés Garcés are all too common in Cuba. In July, another mother documented the spoilage of rice, mango, yucca, and cherries. In May, a woman shared a video of herself discarding a pot of fermented beans.
In a country where feeding children is a constant struggle, these videos starkly represent the collective exhaustion felt by many.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Food Crisis
What is causing the food spoilage in Cuba?
Frequent power outages and the resulting inability to refrigerate food are causing significant spoilage of food supplies in Cuba.
How are Cuban families coping with food preservation during outages?
Some families are resorting to traditional methods like salting meat in the sun, frying it in lard, or pickling with vinegar and garlic to preserve food without refrigeration.
What has been the government’s response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis, with officials stating that a resolution will not be forthcoming soon.