The Business Group of Commerce has provided new information on the distribution of the Basic Family Basket in Cuba. This rationing system, which remains essential for millions of Cubans, is indispensable amid the widespread shortage of food and basic necessities on the island.
The Commerce business group has detailed how the main products of the basic basket are being distributed throughout the country. The Commerce executives have explained that, in August, 20 days of powdered milk will be delivered to children from 0 to 1 year old. Distributing 10 days corresponding to August and another 10 days for September.
For children aged 1 to 2 years, 10 days of milk will be allocated to end the month of August. While children aged 2 to 6 years will receive five days of milk.
Specifically in Santiago de Cuba, the Sales Director of the Business Group of Commerce has detailed to Sierra Maestra how the delivery of other key products is being carried out.
In this eastern province, each person receives two pounds of sugar for the month of August. In addition, residents of Santiago de Cuba will receive six pounds of rice per person, while in the rest of the province five pounds will be delivered.
As for beans and peas, distribution of those for the month of June has begun. It is expected that the products for July and August will be delivered gradually in the coming weeks.
It has also been reported that cleaning products for the July-August period are already being distributed, including liquid detergent in District 4.
Obsolete or indispensable
The Basic Family Basket, distributed through the ration book, continues to be a lifeline for millions of Cubans, especially in the midst of the deep food crisis.
Although this rationing system is seen as an outdated mechanism, the reality is that many families depend on the small quantities of food and basic products that are distributed monthly in the warehouses.
Despite efforts to ensure equitable distribution, shortages remain a serious problem. The rations of rice, beans, sugar and oil, which are a fundamental part of the basic food basket, are insufficient to cover a full month’s needs. They are enough for only a few days. This forces many Cubans to turn to the private or informal market, where prices are considerably higher than average salaries or pensions.
In Santiago de Cuba, as in other eastern provinces, the situation is particularly tense. Unlike in Havana, where it is more common to find extra products in grocery stores and markets, in Santiago de Cuba these items are rarely seen. This underlines the regional inequalities in food distribution on the island.
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