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2mo ago

U.S. Sends First Humanitarian Flight to Cuba Under $100 Million Plan

The shipment is aimed at bypassing Havana by using Catholic Relief Services and parish networks to get aid directly to Cuban families and scale distributions.

People load pallets containing food and hygiene kits for a humanitarian assistance flight to Cuba organized by the Trump administration as the U.S. continues to put pressure on the island's government, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
People load pallets containing food and hygiene kits for a humanitarian assistance flight to Cuba organized by the Trump administration as the U.S. continues to put pressure on the island's government, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
People load pallets containing food and hygiene kits for a humanitarian assistance flight to Cuba organized by the Trump administration as the U.S. continues to put pressure on the island's government, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
People load pallets containing food and hygiene kits for a humanitarian assistance flight to Cuba organized by the Trump administration as the U.S. continues to put pressure on the island's government, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Overview

  • The State Department and Catholic Relief Services sent a Cuba-bound cargo plane that left Miami on July 21 carrying pre-packaged food and hygiene kits for roughly 700 families as the first tranche of the $100 million commitment.
  • CRS announced a $60 million award from the State Department to partner with Caritas Cuba and expand aid to nearly 200,000 households, with plans to reach more than half a million people and provide mattresses and blankets to additional households.
  • U.S. officials say routing supplies through CRS, Caritas and local parish representatives reduces the risk of regime diversion because church actors will handle distribution on the island.
  • The humanitarian push is paired with stepped-up U.S. pressure on Havana, including targeted sanctions, a 2026 oil-import blockade and a State Department report accusing Cuba of long-running espionage and influence activity in the United States.
  • Cuban leaders have criticized the U.S. measures as deepening shortages and dismissed some aid announcements, while humanitarian groups and international agencies warn that fuel cuts, power outages and recent hurricanes have left many families in urgent need.