Ciego de Ávila distributes low-cost food amid the food crisis

More than half a million meals are distributed every weekend in vulnerable neighborhoods in the province, at nominal prices and with support from state-owned companies.

In the midst of a severe economic crisis, marked by inflation and food shortages, these initiatives seek to ease the burden on those living on minimal pensions, especially older people who are unable to meet their basic needs.

Community deliveries

In Ciego de Ávila, more than 500 districts receive prepared meals as part of a program promoted by the provincial government, aimed at supporting low-income families. Deliveries are concentrated on weekends, especially Saturday afternoons.

"We concentrate it on weekends, especially on Saturday afternoons," explained Yadier Pérez Téllez, coordinator of agri-food programs, in statements to the local media. InvaderHe indicated that some 600 meals are distributed among the 000 popular councils in Ciego de Ávila.

The plan involves companies in the agriculture, trade, gastronomy, and bread supply sectors, as well as agricultural cooperatives and local processing centers.

Ajiaco, croquettes and rice for everyone

Meals vary depending on the availability of raw materials. Traditional broths such as ajiaco and caldosa are prepared, as well as dishes with rice, croquettes, picadillo, or medallions. Desserts made in various regions have also been added.

“The ajiaco (a traditional dish), the caldosa (a stew), the rice dishes with by-products… are very popular in the communities,” Pérez Téllez commented.

The focus is on providing differentiated services to the most needy sectors. More than 400 organizations sponsor vulnerable areas, providing direct support through Agricultural Production Cooperatives (CPA), Credit and Services Cooperatives (CCS), and Basic Cooperative Production Units (UBPC).

Food at symbolic prices

The Lodging Company of the Business Group of Commerce was a pioneer in this effort. Its director, Fidel Cruz Pérez, explained how they have achieved this goal in areas such as District 87, located in Canaleta.

"We've sought sponsorship not only from commercial companies, but also from other sectors... this way we avoid expenses and the products arrive at a lower cost. A serving is offered for between 12 and 15 pesos," he said.

He also highlighted the community-based organization and the work of the province's 10 production centers: "We must continue working to ensure that this production is more varied and has a broader reach."

Schools also cook

In some neighborhoods, such as the Centro Ciudad Popular Council, educational centers participate in the preparation and sale of meals. Residents appreciate the friendly and attentive staff.

“Their colleagues have a good ethic, they develop very well, they talk to us, they explain the characteristics of the food,” said Horacio Castillo Herrera, a resident of District 71, while observing the work of the staff at the Armando Mestre Polytechnic Center.

Three pesos for a complete meal

Misleydi Abad Modey, first secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, highlighted the organization and low prices. “The food tray costs three pesos, whatever you can get: peas, rice with byproducts, boiled cassava, mashed potatoes, whatever,” she stated.

As he explained, each delegate knows the neediest families in their area and coordinates with schools to begin distribution at a specific time. This ensures that those most in need receive hot meals on time.

Food prices exceeding the monthly salary

Meanwhile, prices in Cuban markets continue to rise relentlessly. A pound of rice can cost up to 300 pesos. CUP, the same price as a pound of prunes or peas. A pound of chickpeas sells for 400 CUP, black beans reach 330 CUP and the red bean, the 350 CUP.

Chicken breast reaches 1000 CUP per pound, pork leg at 800 CUP and the oil exceeds 1300 CUP per liter.

A carton of eggs can cost 2500 CUP and a 900 gram package of powdered milk, 1950 CUP.

These values ​​are unaffordable for retirees with pensions of 1.500 or 1.600 CUP monthly, make initiatives such as the popular rations in Ciego de Ávila essential for many families.