On 28 February, 24 tonnes of rice and lentils left the UK bound for Cuba as part of the new Cuba Vive Food Aid Appeal.
This shipment marks the launch of emergency food shipments alongside our ongoing medical programme. With President Trump intensifying sanctions and introducing new measures effectively blocking fuel supplies to the island, existing shortages have deepened dramatically. Fuel restrictions are not only limiting electricity generation, but also making it extremely difficult to import goods and distribute food across the country. In these extreme circumstances, emergency food support became essential.
In response to urgent requests from Cuba, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign used Cuba Vive funds to purchase the food, which was delivered to our charity partner Jacob’s Well in late February. On 24 February, Cuban Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter and CSC Director Rob Miller visited the depot to see the aid arrive and be loaded into the container shortly before it was shipped.
Speaking at the depot, Ambassador Vargas Walter said:
“What you see here today – rice and lentils – represents much more than food being loaded. It represents friendship. It represents people in Britain saying that Cuba is not alone. On behalf of the people of Cuba, and on behalf of the government of Cuba, I want to express our deep gratitude for this shipment. I encourage everyone to support this appeal so that more containers like this can reach the people of Cuba.”
Further food containers are already being planned, alongside additional medical aid shipments.
Rob Miller, Director of CSC, said:
“President Trump has increased sanctions against the island and is now blocking fuel supplies. That makes importing goods into Cuba extremely difficult, and distributing products across the island even harder. Simple staples like rice and beans are essential for Cuban families right now, and it’s vital that we get them there.
We are fundraising to fill more containers. Any donation – big or small – will help. This is the first of many shipments as part of the Cuba Vive appeal. We want to send as many containers as possible to the people of Cuba. Please support us if you can.”
You can find out more about the Food Aid Appeal and donate here.