The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has sent the first batch of humanitarian relief to Cuba, as part of a strict assistance plan drafted by the secretary of state.

Aid packages, as part of a $100m (£75m) award to Christian charities, are being sent from the US under the strict instructions from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that it is distributed solely by the Catholic Church.

Pre-packaged food and hygiene kits for 700 families were flown from Miami to Cuba on Tuesday. Aid will be handed out by the CRS and Caritas, in partnership with local churches. 

Cuba has suffered from natural disasters, including Hurricane Melissa which hit in October 2025. The US also has a fuel blockade against the Caribbean nation and its communist leadership, as senior politicians mull possible attempts to force regime change. This has led to hunger and blackouts. 

It is hoped the funding will help 20,000 households receive food and hygiene supplies, alongside essential household supplies like mattresses and blankets to a further 7,000 people.

Sean Callahan, president of CRS, said: “Families in Cuba are facing growing hardship as they struggle to put food on the table, access clean water and meet other basic needs.

“This support will allow CRS and our long-standing partner, Caritas Cuba, to significantly expand humanitarian assistance through the Catholic Church's trusted network, reaching vulnerable families with the help they urgently need.”

A statement from the US State Department said the people of Cuba were “suffering from the consequences of the Communist regime’s kleptocracy, brutality, and economic incompetence.”

“The direct delivery of humanitarian commodities by local parish representatives in the island will ensure critical US assistance reaches everyday Cubans in need, without any opportunity for regime diversion or theft”, it added.