Yoel Diaz, a former Cuban resident now living in Arizona, has gone viral on TikTok for his reactions to the abundance of food and grocery store options in the United States. His experiences, shared alongside his wife Marissa Diaz, have captivated millions of viewers and sparked discussions about the stark differences in food access and freedom between their native Cuba and their current life in America. The couple, who migrated to the U.S. from Cuba, have highlighted the contrast between their past experiences and their present opportunities, emphasizing the freedom and choice available in U.S. stores.
Yoel expressed awe at the variety of meat and other products available in stores like Costco, comparing the experience to something he had only seen in movies. He also shared how the ‘simple ability’ to choose freely in a grocery store feels like a gift, highlighting the opportunities American society offers. By contrast, Marissa noted the scarcity of food in Cuba, where access is limited to those with access to foreign currency. The couple has also commented on political proposals for government-run grocery stores, expressing skepticism about their potential effectiveness, drawing on their experiences in Cuba where such initiatives failed. Despite challenges, the couple remains grateful for the opportunities provided by life in the United States.