A Cuban woman living in the United States who recently acquired her permanent residency shared on TikTok everything she purchased at Walmart for her trip to Cuba, accompanied by her 20-month-old daughter.
Ashlie Rodriguez filmed a tour of her room, transformed into a makeshift storage area, and detailed each product she chose and why, while also seeking advice from those who have made the journey before.
Her collection included: three large and two small bottles of seasoning, several cans of condensed milk, six packs of chewing gum, six packs of strawberry gelatin, cookies, chocolates, candies, pretzels, two large packs of powdered milk, fifteen packets of instant noodles—chicken and Alfredo—and seven packets of beans.
Budget-Friendly Coffee Choice
When it came to coffee, Ashlie opted against well-known brands due to their high prices. "La Llave and Bustelo are super expensive; thus, I went with El Dorado, which came highly recommended and is much more affordable," she explained. She packed twelve packages of this brand in her suitcase.
One detail that drew significant attention was her inclusion of gum. "I have several packs because in Cuba, the poor kids can't even have gum," she noted, summarizing the widespread perception among the Cuban diaspora about the island's shortages.
Practical Concerns and Community Insight
Ashlie raised a practical question with her followers: whether the packaged cookies would arrive intact. "I feel like they'll be broken by the time they get to Cuba. It's better to buy the big jar or tin ones. Let me know if others who have traveled think the same, as this is my first trip to Cuba since getting my residency," she commented.
This type of video is part of a growing trend among Cubans overseas, documenting their shopping trips to places like Walmart, Costco, or Sam's Club to gather supplies for family members on the island.
Reflecting the Island's Dire Needs
The practice is a response to an ongoing food crisis. According to the World Food Programme, Cuba imports over 80% of its food, spending around $2.4 billion annually. From 2018 to 2023, domestic milk production plummeted by 58%, and powdered milk imports dropped by 71%.
In June, the Minister of the Food Industry, Alberto López Díaz, admitted that over 100,000 children were not receiving their daily milk. Meanwhile, the "Cuba Has Hunger 2025" survey by the Food Monitor Program and Cuido60 revealed that 96.91% of the Cuban population lacks adequate access to food.
Ashlie's list is more than just a shopping spree; it's a snapshot of what is missing in Cuba. The fact that a mother feels compelled to travel with essentials like powdered milk, pasta, and gum highlights the harsh reality in Cuba more vividly than any official statistics could.
Many other Cuban women have packed their suitcases in a similar fashion before traveling, following a common pattern: maximizing basic goods with the funds available, as these items are either unavailable or unaffordable on the island.
Understanding the Cuban Food Crisis
Why do Cubans in the diaspora document their shopping trips?
Cubans living abroad document their shopping trips to show the challenges of acquiring basic goods in Cuba and to share tips and advice on how to maximize resources when supporting family on the island.
How has Cuba's food crisis affected children?
The food crisis in Cuba has severely impacted children, with over 100,000 not receiving their daily milk, highlighting the significant shortage and inaccessibility of essential nutrients.
What are some commonly purchased items for trips to Cuba?
Common items include powdered milk, instant noodles, seasonings, cookies, chocolates, and other non-perishable goods that are scarce or too expensive in Cuba.