Sending Home Food Instead of Money: How Cubans Abroad are Navigating Limited Purchasing Options
Maria Paez receives a package of food items from her children in Miami
Maria Paez feels relieved after receiving a package of food items including eggs, ham, and yogurt from her children in Miami — bought online and shipped to Havana. These days, with a severe economic crisis and food shortages, Cubans abroad increasingly prefer to send care packages to family back home, rather than cash transfers.
The Benefits
“Receiving these types of products is a relief for us” and, “in terms of spending money, the savings are substantial,” Paez, a 59-year-old mathematics graduate told AFP.
For many Cubans, the option of sending food items instead of money has become more attractive in recent years. With the limited purchasing options in Cuba due to the economic crisis, receiving essential food items from family members abroad can make a significant difference in their lives. The rising prices of basic necessities and the scarcity of certain products have made it challenging for many Cubans to afford even the most essential items.
By sending food items, Cubans abroad can ensure that their family members have access to nutritious meals and essential groceries. This not only helps alleviate the financial burden on their loved ones but also provides them with a sense of security and support during challenging times.
How This Trend Affects Individuals
For individuals like Maria Paez, receiving food packages from family members abroad is a lifeline. It allows them to save money on essential items and ensures that they have access to nutritious food despite the economic challenges in Cuba. This trend provides a more sustainable way for Cubans abroad to support their families back home while navigating the limitations of the current economic situation.
How This Trend Affects the World
The shift towards sending food items instead of money reflects the resourcefulness and resilience of the Cuban diaspora in supporting their communities during times of crisis. As more Cubans abroad choose to send care packages with essential food items, it highlights the global impact of economic challenges and the importance of solidarity and support among families separated by borders. This trend showcases the creativity and innovation of individuals in finding alternative ways to provide for their loved ones and maintain connections despite the distance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the practice of sending food packages instead of money is becoming more prevalent among Cubans abroad as they navigate limited purchasing options and economic challenges in Cuba. This trend not only provides practical support for families in need but also strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of community across borders. By sending essential food items, individuals like Maria Paez are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their loved ones and contribute to the resilience of their communities during difficult times.
