Many Cubans are still traumatized by their early post-Soviet era diets, which were often cooked using mineral oil or distilled motor oil—evidence of a very flexible population to say the least. But today the Cuban population seems to be flexed to their limit. The price of food is rising in state-sponsored bodegas; and rumor is that rations will be cut after the meeting of the Communist Congress this month.
So where will Cubans find food? And can they expect to continue finding it? The island’s populace seems unsure whether to remain quietly resilient and trust the state, or to speak-up and demand solutions, as the first Communist Congress in ages will occur this month.
After 14 years, Cuba’s Communist Party Congress will reconvene to vote on the much-anticipated economic reforms—planning to meet in Havana, April 16-19, 2011. The meet was called for in response to the island’s exorbitant debt, and the moratorium on additional credit from international lenders. The congress’ focus is intended to be on economic reforms—expected to not only open the gates for new domestic sources of revenue to repay their debts, but also new, self-sustaining sources of foodstuffs and improved nutrition for the island.
Currently Cuba imports 80% of the food it consumes; and still, it falls well short of what is needed to sustain a healthy population. Fresh produce is among the restricted items at market now. So many Cubans have already taken advantage of Raúl Castro’s economic reforms allowing for home gardens, or the use of state land for individual cultivation (to both feed one’s family, or to sell privately).
Both the Cuban government, and the population it represents, are hoping that the meetings in Havana this month can expand opportunities for domestic food production and fulfill the need for self-sustainability.
Photo (bodega): Elio Delgado
Photo (flag): José Azel, National Geographic
