On Friday, Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Embassy mission in Cuba, made a visit to Bejucal to meet face-to-face with families who have benefited from American humanitarian aid distributed through Cáritas Cuba.
During his visit, Hammer listened to firsthand accounts of the living conditions faced by Cubans who received the aid packages, highlighting ongoing issues such as chronic electricity shortages and food scarcity.
In a conversation with one of the recipients, Hammer inquired about the electricity situation. The woman responded, "No, it's more time without power, one with it." Hammer replied briefly, "Good to know the aid reached you well. Enjoy it."
The diplomat also met with Cáritas volunteers who deliver the packages directly to homes, bypassing the Cuban regime. "You have done an incredible, impressive job to get this aid to the people," he commended them.
Hammer clarified that the distribution began as an initial trial: "We started with this pilot for 700 families, just the beginning. Naturally, we aim to reach many more families across the country."
This aid is part of a $100 million package announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May 2026, marking the largest U.S. humanitarian commitment to Cuba in decades.
From the total, $60 million is funneled through the Catholic Church—via Catholic Relief Services and Cáritas Cuba—while $40 million is channeled through other independent non-governmental organizations.
The first humanitarian flight in this phase departed from Miami on July 21, carrying 18 tons of food and hygiene supplies. Distribution started two days later in Bejucal and Alquízar, Artemisa Province, coordinated by local parish networks.
Each food module includes rice, beans, oil, pasta, sardines, and tuna, among other items. Hygiene kits contain soap, toothpaste, water purification tablets, and a rechargeable lamp, reflecting the severe crisis on the island.
Selection criteria prioritize elderly individuals living alone, people with disabilities, pregnant or nursing women, and families with vulnerable children.
A Cáritas volunteer emphasized that the distribution is non-discriminatory: "We simply assessed the individual's vulnerability and needs."
This visit is part of Hammer's broader agenda. Since assuming his role in November 2024, he has pursued a strategy of direct engagement with the Cuban populace, termed "street-level diplomacy" by the Embassy, under the hashtag #ConCubanosDeAPie.
Bejucal has been a recurring location for Hammer; he visited the Santa Susana Convent nursing home there in June 2025, and on July 22, he met with Cáritas Cuba’s leadership to coordinate this new phase of aid distribution.
The comprehensive plan aims to benefit between 100,000 and 200,000 families island-wide through successive stages, according to Catholic Relief Services.
Understanding U.S. Humanitarian Efforts in Cuba
How is the U.S. humanitarian aid to Cuba being distributed?
The aid is being distributed through Cáritas Cuba and other independent non-governmental organizations, circumventing the Cuban regime, and is aimed at reaching the most vulnerable families across the island.
What items are included in the aid packages?
The aid packages include food items like rice, beans, oil, pasta, sardines, and tuna, as well as hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, water purification tablets, and a rechargeable lamp.
What are the criteria for selecting aid recipients?
Priority is given to elderly individuals living alone, people with disabilities, pregnant or nursing women, and families with children in vulnerable situations.