Centuries after French Queen Marie Antoinette's famously dismissive quote...or misquote...of "let them eat cake" to the masses, Venezuelan rulers are now calling on their populace to turn to the bunny for sustenance.
President Nicolas Maduro's government wants to boost food availability in the country and it believes Venezuelans can do so by breeding and eating more rabbits.
The President says the country is a victim of what he calls an economic war, led by his adversaries and fuelled by recent sanctions imposed by the United States.
Outlining the bunny-breeding plan, Urban Agriculture Minister Freddy Bernal says hopping into a rabbit stew could also provide a healthier alternative to traditional fare.
"We have to have a radio, press and television campaign, place cartoons everywhere so that citizens understand that a rabbit is not a pet. It's two and a half kilos of meat that is high in protein, with no cholesterol."
Authorities are also teaching citizens to plant food on roofs and balconies of their homes.
But the Rabbit Plan has been ridiculed as nonsensical by the Opposition, which says the real problem is the country's failed model of socialism that has failed to survive the collapse in crude oil markets.
Venezuelans like Maria Galindo would much prefer their rabbits as pets than on the plate.
"I don't agree with eating rabbits for survival. There are people who eat rabbit but not here. I don't like it. I raise rabbits here to keep myself entertained and to care for them; because animals need to be cared for. That's why we have them. To look after and feed them and all that. I don't like to eat them."
Ms Galindo doesn't believe it's a viable solution to the country's food woes.
"That will not solve the lack of meat, or poultry or chicken or anything like it. I don't agree with that. I don't know. That's my opinion."
While a new concept to Venezuelans like Maria Galindo, rabbit consumption is common around the world.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the animals are more efficient than pigs and cattle in converting protein into edible meat.
But raising rabbits in significant quantities in contemporary Venezuela is seen as a difficult proposition.
Observers say the country's constant shortages, resulting from stringent price and currency controls, would make it hard for a rabbit industry to prosper due to a lack of materials to feed and house the animals.
All in all, the critics say, it's a hare-brained scheme.
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