97 tonnes of food aid shipped to Cuba since December
Campaign News | Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Cuban ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter and CSC director Rob Miller at the container depot in February
In addition to medical aid, Cuba Vive will also be sending food aid throughout 2026
On 28 February, 24 tonnes of rice and lentils left the UK bound for Cuba as part of the Cuba Vive Appeal.
This shipment marked the launch of emergency food shipments alongside our ongoing medical programme. With President Trump 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 has become essential.
In response to urgent requests from Cuba, CSC 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 arrival and loading of the aid 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.”
Two further 40-foot containers containing 50 tonnes of rice and black beans were shipped from Argentina and Brazil in April and are due to arrive in May. Another 40-foot container of medical aid departed for Cuba in late April.
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.”
Help us keep the containers moving
At this critical time, practical solidarity matters. Every donation helps us to purchase essential food and medical aid and get it shipped as quickly as possible.
Please donate today. Together, we can turn solidarity into life-saving support.
