Click here to read the Spanish version.
The humanitarian crisis that Valencia and other national regions are experiencing is mobilising the entire nation, which is trying to help those affected by the DANA in any way it can. In this sense, food and basic necessities are key to the recovery of the affected communities. However, when donating or helping, it is important to also take into account all needs, such as allergies, intolerances or veganism, which require special provisioning.
In response to the latter, organisations or restaurants such as ‘Aquí se Puede’ in Badajoz have started a solidarity campaign to collect gluten-free and lactose-free food, in collaboration with Extremen in Topic, in order to help those people who find it difficult to access safe products.
Food by state
Having qualified these special cases, general food aid in this type of emergency should prioritise one type of food or another depending on the state of the affected regions. The Colegio Oficial de Dietistas-Nutricionistas de la Comunitat Valenciana has published a report in which it specifies and recommends the type of food donation and food security.
If the region in question is in a critical state, i.e. with a total lack of electricity and drinking water, food aid should focus on basic products that do not require preparation or refrigeration, such as bottled water, canned food, energy bars or ready-to-eat meals. In addition, deliveries should be frequent and in large quantities; ensuring accessibility through nearby distribution points or direct deliveries.
In the event of a state of emergency, where both electricity is in short supply and the water supply has not been re-established, products such as instant rice, pre-cooked pasta and canned food can be prepared. In the absence of water, the supply of bottled water is of vital importance.
In a state of alert, where electricity has been partially restored but water supply is limited, it is recommended to donate basic items that need minimal preparation, such as cereals, pasta, pulses, and cans of vegetables, fruits and proteins.
In the case of the final recovery phase, when electricity and water are mostly restored, food aid can be more varied and balanced, with canned fruits and vegetables or powdered milk.
Special considerations: children and the elderly
For infants, the priority is infant formula and bottled water. If mothers are breastfeeding, they need special hydration and hygienic conditions, so nutrient-dense foods such as energy bars, iron and folic acid supplements, fortified milk and canned fruit should be offered.
For the elderly, it is essential to provide easy-to-chew foods such as fruit purees, porridges and canned soups, as well as liquid nutritional supplements if needed.
