Meat and protein allocations have never been enough to ensure proper nutrition for a month, and this reduction implies less availability for families. If we also take into account what is subtracted when the product is weighed and shipped, the amount each consumer receives is ridiculous.
The Internal Trade authorities have reported in Santiago de Cuba that, after a long wait, a ship with chicken finally arrived to supply the basic basket.
However, supply is limited, and each resident of the province will receive only 345 grams of chicken through the ration book, an amount insufficient to cover one person’s monthly needs.
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, residents will have a slight benefit, reaching one pound per person.
Insufficient chicken distribution
With 345 grams of chicken, which is approximately equivalent to one medium breast or two small thighs, families will need to adjust their eating habits for the month of October.
The difficulty of accurately weighing that amount without digital scales in wineries has raised concern, since traditional scales do not guarantee accuracy. Furthermore, frozen chicken, by containing water in the form of ice, increases weight without increasing the amount of meat available.
Lack of other basic products
The first secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, confirmed that this month there will be no availability of coffee, sugar, oil or toothpaste. Although the government has tried to distribute oil sporadically, the quantities have not been sufficient to satisfy the population’s demand.
This shortage has encouraged the illegal sale of products such as toothpaste, which is often found on the black market, which has generated greater frustration among Santiago residents.
Shortage of hygiene products
As for hygiene products, only small quantities of laundry and toilet soap have been delivered, leaving a large part of the population without access to these essential items. The inequity in the distribution of these goods has increased discontent in the province.
Problems in milk and yogurt production
Local milk production is also facing serious problems due to theft and illegal slaughter of animals, which has drastically reduced the amount available. This mainly affects children, especially those who depend on a special diet due to chronic illnesses.
Most children in Santiago de Cuba only receive powdered milk, and the rations barely cover 10 days of the month. Additionally, soy shortages have reduced yogurt deliveries, affecting children ages 7 to 13. Of the 12 rounds planned for yogurt, only four have been delivered, which aggravates the situation for families.
Measures in the face of the crisis
Faced with this crisis, the authorities have intensified controls and applied sanctions to those who violate regulated prices. In the last week, more than 1,100 fines were issued and several illegal businesses were closed.
However, the unregulated sale of products such as rice and toothpaste continues to be a widespread problem in Santiago de Cuba. Which highlights the difficulties in enforcing established standards.
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