Cuban Churches Provide Meals, Medical Care Amid Shortages

Churches and community organizations are offering free meals and other support to local residents. Open Table United Church of Christ in Ottawa, Illinois, plans a free lunch on Nov. 8, while Al Muqit Court No. 199 held its annual breakfast for seniors in Tuscaloosa. In Havana, El Jordán Baptist Church regularly brings older adults together for spiritual and social activities followed by lunch, and American and Cuban medical volunteers recently provided free care to parishioners and neighbors despite a power outage. The efforts reflect broader community outreach, particularly by Cuban congregations supporting seniors and other vulnerable residents amid economic and public-service challenges.