Cuban Immigrants Marvel at American Food Abundance

A Cuban couple who immigrated to the United States have gained significant attention on social media. Their videos, created by Marissa Diaz, focus on food experiences, while her husband, Yoel Diaz, expresses amazement at the wide variety of choices available to Americans.

Yoel Diaz, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021, shared his experience with a news outlet. He described feeling overwhelmed by the abundance at Costco, particularly the selection of meat. He mentioned that he felt dizzy upon entering the store for the first time.

The couple, who were childhood friends in Cuba, shared their backgrounds. Yoel Diaz worked as a computer science teacher in Cuba, where he earned very little. He celebrated his first paycheck from UPS in 2022. He views the ability to freely choose groceries as a significant gift.

Marissa Diaz contrasted the American experience with the reality in Cuba. She explained that grocery stores in Cuba are often divided based on access to dollars. She noted that the average salary in Cuba is very low, forcing people to be extremely selective about their purchases. Those who are paid in Cuban pesos have limited access to stores and instead rely on bodegas with limited offerings. She described how Cubans share information about available food items through messaging groups. She compared the situation to the scarcity experienced in the U.S. during the COVID pandemic.

Yoel Diaz views the ability to shop for groceries as a privilege, as is the ability to consistently provide food. He highlighted the freedom to choose brands and meals, and the availability of various coffee options, which are not available in Cuba.

The couple also discussed a New York City mayoral candidate's proposal for government-owned grocery stores. Marissa Diaz expressed skepticism, citing the inefficiency of government distribution in Cuba. Yoel Diaz cautioned supporters of the candidate to be mindful of what they are advocating for, based on his experiences in Cuba.