ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Emergency foods distributed during a federal disaster relief response must follow the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans according to the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring Related Research Act. Nutrition information about emergency foods for household distribution is scarce. METHODS: According to structured observation protocols, foods received daily at a federal distribution center in Puerto Rico after Hurricane María (November 10-25, 2017) were grouped into Dietary Guidelines for Americans ChooseMyPlate food groups. Data about their sodium, saturated fat, added sugar, and fiber content per serving were captured. Registered dietitians designed meal plans with the foods distributed. RESULTS: Of 107 unique food items, 41% were snacks and sweets; and 13%, 4%, 13%, and 7% were fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, respectively. Fifty-eight percent of all foods were low in fiber (≤1 g); 46% included high amounts of sodium, saturated fats, or added sugars (≥20% daily value). The registered dietitians were able to design meal plans that complied with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans food group recommendations, but they exceeded upper daily limits for sodium, saturated fat, or added sugars. CONCLUSIONS: In view of projected increases in natural disasters and diet-related chronic diseases, DGA compliance must be improved so that federal emergency foods can support the health of survivors.
Subject(s)
Cyclonic Storms , Disasters , Federal Government , Food Assistance/legislation & jurisprudence , Guideline Adherence/legislation & jurisprudence , Nutrition Policy/legislation & jurisprudence , Disaster Planning , Food Quality , Humans , Meals , Nutritive Value , Organizational Case Studies , Puerto Rico , Rural Population , United States , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
The job of military medical planners is to prepare for the unthinkable and then establish a response that allows the civilian system of healthcare to continue to function. This article provides information and perspective that civilian healthcare providers can gain from their counterparts in the military. Two issues need to be considered simultaneously: preparedness, in the form of force health protection, and response, applying consequence management. The critical need for ongoing planning is clear. However, three things remain true despite our best planning efforts: individual behavior drives the response to mass casualty events, flexibility is the key to the success of any plan, and interagency coordination and trust is vital for an effective response.
