# International food aid to Cuba

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-food-aid-to-cuba
> Updated: 2026-10-16T22:08:55.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Cuba has received humanitarian food aid from Russia and Japan to address food security concerns and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. 

Russia delivered over 750 tons of vitamin-fortified sunflower oil through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This shipment, funded by the Russian Ministry of Emergencies, is intended for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The delivery was marked by a ceremony in Havana attended by Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga and Russian Ambassador Victor Koronelli. This assistance follows previous deliveries of similar products to the island in 2025.

In a separate contribution, Japan provided a one million dollar donation via the WFP, which includes 425 tons of rice, grains, and oil. This aid is specifically targeted toward populations in eastern Cuba affected by Hurricane Melissa, a storm that damaged approximately 116,000 homes and 600 medical facilities across five provinces. 

Recovery from the hurricane has been hampered by fuel shortages, electricity blackouts, and damaged infrastructure. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of families remain in compromised housing, and millions face disruptions to clean water supplies. These challenges are compounded by a severe humanitarian and socio-economic crisis characterized by systemic shortages and declining production.

## Claims

- The Japanese government provided a one million dollar donation to Cuba via the World Food Programme. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Japanese donation includes 425 tons of rice. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The World Food Programme facilitated the delivery of the Japanese aid. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Russia donated 750 tons of vegetable oil to Cuba through its Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of the Consequences of Natural Disasters. (single source)
- The food aid is intended for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, and those with chronic illnesses. (single source)
- Hurricane Melissa caused damage to 116,000 homes and 600 medical infrastructures in eastern Cuba. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Cuba receives food aid from Japan and Russia

Japan and Russia have donated 425 tons of rice and 750 tons of vegetable oil to Cuba via the WFP to aid hurricane victims and vulnerable groups amid a deepening socio-economic crisis.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-russia-provide-food-aid-to-cuba

### 2026-10-16: Russia delivers 750 tons of sunflower oil to Cuba via UN

Russia has donated over 750 tons of vitamin-fortified sunflower oil to Cuba through the UN World Food Programme to assist vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-delivers-750-tons-of-sunflower-oil-to-cuba-via-un

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Cite as: International food aid to Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-food-aid-to-cuba