Canada pledges $8 million in food aid for Cuba as U.S. fuel blockade continues

The Government of Canada has announced an $8 million food assistance package for people in Cuba in response to mounting shortages of basic goods aggravated by a tightened U.S. oil blockade, federal officials said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai said the funding is intended to help address urgent needs for food and nutrition among vulnerable communities on the Caribbean island. The aid will be delivered through United Nations partners, including the World Food Programme and UNICEF, rather than through the Cuban government.

Global Affairs Canada has been warning travellers about shortages of essentials such as food, medicine and fuel across much of Cuba for more than a year as the island grapples with energy shortfalls. Ottawa’s statement highlighted that the immediate release of funds is designed to strengthen local food security and support humanitarian relief efforts.

Cuba’s fuel crisis has deepened in recent weeks after the United States moved to block oil shipments, including those from long-time supplier Venezuela, and threatened tariffs on countries exporting fuel to the island. These measures have contributed to high food and transportation costs and prolonged power outages.