U.S. assistance shipment arrives in Varadero for households in Matanzas

Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero received the first shipment of U.S. humanitarian assistance intended for Matanzas. The delivery includes food and hygiene products and is part of a $100 million aid program.

Cáritas Cuba said the shipment was received by Juan Gabriel Díaz Ruiz, bishop of Matanzas, and María de los Ángeles Castelo Elías Calles, the organization’s provincial director. The first distribution will reach 700 of 2,100 families selected in the Our Lady of Charity vicariate, which includes communities such as Unión de Reyes, Bolondrón, Güira, Alacranes, Bermejas and Cabezas.

The plan calls for providing food and hygiene kits to 18,200 families in the diocese. Selection prioritized adults over 60, people with disabilities, chronically ill people, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five, particularly those who have difficulty accessing food and water.

Catholic Relief Services purchases the products in the United States and sends them to Cuba. Cáritas delivers them to families through its parish network and home visits. The program has already reached several Cuban provinces.