Emergency supplies & nutrition in disaster preparedness – When supplies really need to be there for everyone

Knowledge is key – and sometimes all we need is a light that doesn't blind us, but shows us the way.

First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for the fact that various disaster preparedness kits are available to order online. These efforts naturally also help to ensure that people are well provided for in difficult times.

Thank you very much!

Those who plan for tomorrow can already add a dash of mindfulness to today – supplies can be beautiful. And full of heart.

Standardized emergency food packs are helpful, but in crises, there is more to consider than just calories: allergies, intolerances, psychological stress, and water shortages require gentle, well-thought-out meals. Disaster preparedness begins with genuine inclusion — even on the plate.

The ability to order emergency supplies online is a real bonus. It demonstrates foresight, organization, and a desire to take good care of people in times of crisis. However, when electricity and water are cut off for long periods of time, a whole new level of challenge arises, and the devil is in the details.

Problem areas in current storage packages

Specific dishes under critical scrutiny (excerpts)

Irritable bowel syndrome & emergency food – when your stomach has a say

People with irritable bowel syndrome need more than just calories: emergency packs should be low in FODMAPs, soothing, and individually tolerable — because when you're in crisis, every gram of peace in your stomach counts.

Why irritable bowel syndrome must be considered in crisis planning

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 15–20% of the population
Symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramps can be exacerbated by stress, unfamiliar diets, and a lack of opportunities to relax
In crisis situations (e.g., blackouts, evacuations, isolation), there is often no opportunity for individual adjustment, which can lead to severe discomfort

What people with irritable bowel syndrome need in emergency kits

Low FODMAP: no fermentable sugars (e.g. fructose, lactose, sorbitol, inulin)
Fiber-modulated: no coarse fibers, only tender oat flakes, cooked carrots, potatoes
Gentle preparation: steamed, boiled, pureed – can also be enjoyed cold
No additives: no emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial flavors
Mild seasoning: no chili, garlic, onion granules
Compatible carbohydrates, e.g., white rice, millet

Proposals for inclusive disaster relief food supplies

Low-allergen kits: free from common allergens (e.g. gluten, dairy, soy, mustard, egg, celery, etc.)
Gently seasoned meals: rice soups, millet-based dishes, carrot purée, steamed vegetables
Modular packages tailored to health needs: e.g. stomach-friendly, low-FODMAP, hypoallergenic variants
Enriched with electrolytes and micronutrients: adapted to stress-related metabolic demands
Minimal water requirements for preparation: using pre-cooked, energy-dense base meals

What Emergency Food Suppliers Should Also Consider

Household-Specific Needs

Care-dependent individuals: need for puréed food, liquid nutrition, incontinence supplies
Children & infants: age-appropriate meals, diapers, bottle accessories, hypoallergenic products
Pets: food, water, medications – often overlooked, yet emotionally vital

Medication Compatibility & Therapeutic Diets

Food–drug interactions: e.g. with blood pressure meds, antidepressants, thyroid medications
Special dietary needs: low-histamine, low-FODMAP, ketogenic, vegan – often not represented

Preparation & Energy Requirements

Power-free prep: are meals edible cold? Do they require substantial water or fuel to cook?
Cooking tools: gas stoves, fuel paste, matches – often missing from kits
Packaging & portioning: can packaging be opened by people with limited strength? Are there single-serve sizes?

Hygiene & Emotional Stability

Toilet solutions: portable toilets, liners, disinfectants – crucial for diarrhea or menstruation
Low-odor meals: in confined spaces, strong smells can become oppressive
Comforting foods: like chamomile tea, oat porridge, mild broths – for body and emotional calm

Sustainability & Rotation

Living pantry vs. one-off pack: integration into everyday consumption to reduce food waste
Shelf-life management: providers could offer expiry reminders or swap-out services

Transparent Labelling & Personalised Advice

Full ingredient lists & allergen disclosures available online
Consultation tools: e.g. filters for allergies, dietary types, water use, prep method
Targeted kits: e.g. for Long Covid patients, seniors, children, caregiving households

Fluid Balance in Crisis Nutrition

Many emergency preparedness food kits include meals that are high in fiber, salt, or strong seasonings — and for good reason: these ingredients are shelf-stable, filling, and calorie-dense. However, this very composition can lead to increased thirst in extreme situations — something barely noticeable in everyday life, but potentially serious in a real emergency.

When drinking water becomes limited or uncertain — such as during extended power outages, damaged water infrastructure, or supply shortages — this effect can place a significant additional burden on the body. The organism demands more fluid, yet access may be restricted or unavailable.

That’s why crisis food should be designed in a way that does not further elevate fluid requirements. Gentle meals with moderate salt content, easily digestible ingredients, and soothing herbs (such as fennel, caraway, or lemon balm) can help stabilize circulation and preserve the body's hydration without unnecessary strain.

Digestion & Dignity in Times of Crisis

In times of psychological strain — such as during blackouts — the connection to one’s own body can become fragile. The combination of anxiety, isolation, limited hygiene options (e.g. basic toilets), and unfamiliar food can turn nourishment into a challenge.

A well-designed emergency kit doesn’t just provide calories — it offers calm, stability, and a sense of trust.

Iron Supplements & Ingredient Interactions – Hidden Risks in Crisis Nutrition

Many individuals affected by chronic fatigue, Long Covid, or anemia rely on regular iron supplementation. However, typical emergency food kits often include ingredients such as soy, wheat bran, eggs (phosphates), or phytate-rich components – all of which can significantly inhibit iron absorption.

In a crisis scenario, where the body is already under increased stress, these interactions may pose an additional health risk and compromise recovery or resilience.

When Every Molecule Matters – Micronutrient Absorption in Emergencies

Iron supplements need biochemical freedom: Phytic acid (e.g. in bran), calcium (milk), soy protein, and phosphates (found in eggs, cola, baked goods) can greatly reduce the effectiveness of iron absorption
Tip: Simple, low-fiber carbohydrates such as cooked white rice, potatoes, or dry toast promote better absorption and are gentle on the digestive system
Forward-thinking addition: Including vitamin C-rich emergency items (e.g. dried acerola, small sachets of ascorbic acid) could support iron uptake and improve nutrient efficiency in future kit designs

When planning disaster preparedness packages, please also take allergies and intolerances into account to ensure that everyone can be provided with safe and suitable supplies in the event of a crisis. Thank you very much for your foresight.

Bibliography – Emergency food supplies & health in crisis preparedness

Food allergens & intolerances

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE): „Lebensmittelunverträglichkeiten & Allergenmanagement“. DGEwissen 3/2021, S. 46–49. https://www.dge.de/.
Verbraucherzentrale NRW: „Kennzeichnung von Allergenen und Zusatzstoffen“. https://www.verbraucherzentrale.nrw/verbraucherzentrale/kennzeichnung-von-allergenen-und-zusatzstoffen-94938.

MeinMed.at: „Die 14 häufigsten Allergene im Überblick“ https://www.meinmed.at/.

Nutrition for Long Covid & ME/CFS

Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA): „Versorgungsempfehlungen für Long Covid und ME/CFS“. https://www.g-ba.de/themen/long-covid/.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für ME/CFS: „Richtlinie zur Versorgung mit Fokus auf Ernährung & Belastungstoleranz“. https://www.mecfs.de/richtlinie-des-g-ba-zu-long-covid/.
Long Covid Plattform: „Symptomatische Ernährung & Pacing bei Erschöpfungssyndromen“. https://www.long-covid-plattform.de/me-cfs.

Fluid balance & crisis nutrition

DVGW – Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e. V.: „Krisenmanagement in der Wasserversorgung“. https://www.dvgw.de/themen/wasser/organisation-und-management/krisenmanagement/.
Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK): „DIN-Normen & Standards zur Resilienz kritischer Infrastrukturen“. BSMAG 1/2022. https://www.bbk.bund.de.

Nutrition and micronutrient intake in iron deficiency

Swiss Nutrition Expert Group: „Ernährungsinteraktionen mit Eisenpräparaten“. https://www.sge-ssn.ch.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE): „Eisenaufnahme & hemmende Substanzen in Lebensmitteln“. https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/referenzwerte/eisen/.

This article was written by Birgit Bortoluzzi, creative founder of the “University of Hope” – an independent knowledge platform with the goal of making resilience, education, and compassion visible and audible in a complex world.