🤣
I think your dad said metaphorically that Cubans have always faced needs. And he was right.
But any human being (non-Cuban) who can't even eat a chocolate sometimes, or have a good meal, or even afford a meal in a restaurant, will of course be happy if you give him these things.
Basic things... of course he will be happy if he can at least have basic things, not a Cuban, anyone in this world.
And the beer... I guess to forget the sorrows.
Look at the Charles Bukowski quote I shared with nancybriti1 in a comment.
I think he was making emphasis to the beer part...
When I say that I do not agree, it is because I know that Cubans can go beyond that, although when there are needs, humans, not only Cubans, tend to degrade their culture a little and it is difficult for them to see beyond that. Although like everything else, there is more in "el arroz con pollo" that is not even necessary to mention.