What are the steps to follow in order to ensure an effective food aid program?
• Estimate the quantity of food available. • Calculate the dietary needs of the affected population. • Determine the food rations in accordance with the characteristics of the population and estimated duration of the effects of the disaster. What are the priorities of a food aid program during disasters? • Immediately provide food where need is urgent, or appears to be, as in isolated populations, institutions, hospitals, refugee camps, and among rescue teams and aid personnel. • Make an initial estimate of the food needs of the affected population, taking into account its demographic characteristics. • Identify food stocks, (food stockpiles elsewhere in the country, food assistance organizations, etc.), transportation, storage, and distribution. • Ensure the safety and suitability of locally available food and supplies received. • Monitor the food and nutrition situation closely, so that the supply and rationing of food can be modified in keeping with changing conditions. What is the
