Food is a crucial part of humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of any disaster. It provides immediate relief to victims and helps in their recovery from injuries, illness and distress. But providing food to survivors is not enough, ensuring they receive sufficient nutrition is equally important.
Researchers in India have been working on alternatives that offer lessons for other disaster-prone areas.
Emergency meals which are culturally accepted are more palatable and can also bring some relief from psychological trauma — an aspect often overlooked. The key is to significantly increase the nutritional content of existing dishes for people who need protein and energy to recover from illness, injury and shock.
