Cuba Relief

Population

11,190,000

Food Insecure

4,200,000

Response Type

Food Shortages

Meals per Month

3,200

Cuba Updates

Over 72% of Cuba’s population lives below the poverty line, leaving many families struggling with severe hunger. A staggering one-eighth of a month’s salary is needed to buy a single pound of rice. In response, Mercy Chefs Global launched relief efforts in Cuba in September 2023. Since then, we have expanded to eight feeding locations, providing monthly hot meals and groceries to families in need. Stay updated on our global relief efforts by following us on Facebook and Instagram (@MercyChefs).

Children in Cuba eating hot meals prepared by Mercy Chefs.

Partnering with Churches to Bring Hope

February 12, 2025

Survival is a constant struggle for many in Cuba, with food and basic necessities out of reach. Yet, the church is a beacon of hope, as pastors and leaders serve their communities with unwavering faith. Mercy Chefs Global is partnering with these local churches to provide nourishing meals, creating opportunities for deeper ministry.

During a recent visit, a pastor shared a powerful story: After a single outreach event, 36 new believers joined the church. The congregation, once just 12 members, grew so rapidly that their meeting space became too small, and God provided a larger building. This story reminds us how a simple hot meal can bring hope and the message of God’s love.

Holiday Outreach in Cuba

December 4, 2024

This holiday season, our Global team returned to Cuba to reconnect with both new and longtime partners, bringing much-needed relief to families facing severe hunger. We provided hot, nourishing meals and groceries to those who hadn’t eaten in days.

Amid the hardship, there was a powerful sense of faith and gratitude. Our incredible volunteers sang praises to God as they helped prepare meals—turning an act of service into a celebration of resilience and community.

Church goers in Cuba grabbing meals prepared by Mercy Chefs.

Serving Remote Communities

September 16, 2024

Families in remote areas, just outside of major cities in Cuba, are struggling to put food on their tables. One of our dedicated church partners is meeting these needs, distributing food regularly to the most vulnerable on the eastern side of the island. Every Sunday after service, this church serves hot meals to its community, and if someone cannot make it, congregants will deliver the meals straight to their door.

Our team has witnessed how these acts of service unite people in faith, heal broken relationships, and fill empty stomachs for the first time in many years.

Relief for Hurricane-Impacted Families

October 21, 2024

Cuba has been grappling with severe food and fuel shortages for over a year, and the devastation has only worsened with back-to-back hurricanes—Milton and Oscar. Torrential rains and widespread flooding have destroyed homes and left communities without power.

As heavy rains and power outages continue, Mercy Chefs Global is committed to bringing relief to those affected by the storms. Thanks to our church partner in San Juan de las Yeras, many families are receiving hot meals—a vital lifeline for those without access to food or the means to prepare it. Please join us in praying for the people of Cuba as they recover.

Hurricane Oscar victims enjoying hot meals prepared by Mercy Chefs' team in Cuba.

Food Safety & Sanitation Training

September 14, 2023

This week, Mercy Chefs is on the ground in Cuba, equipping local partners with essential food safety and sanitation training. These dedicated teams have been serving their communities tirelessly, and it’s an honor to support their efforts. The joy we’ve experienced here is truly inspiring, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships and exploring future opportunities for long-term support.

We always say, “Something amazing happens over a shared meal!” Beyond kitchen training for chefs and volunteers, we also provided daily lunch and dinner to local church pastors.

A Mercy Chefs staff member talking to a Cuban resident.

Contact Us

For any questions about how you, your company, church, or organization can get involved, please contact us by completing the form below.