Nutrition

While most persons with disabilities do not have specific nutritional needs, there are some persons that require some adaptations to their diet. Identify persons with disabilities, particularly mothers with disabilities, children and those with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, who may be more vulnerable to malnutrition in emergency contexts and ensure that they are targeted in good security response.

Make sure that your food distribution includes:

• Make sure that the particular needs of persons with disabilities are addressed to ensure that access to food and an adequate nutritional status are assessed and addressed in ongoing programmes;
• Make sure that there are well indicated and accessible areas at food services and distribution facilities that are culturally adapted for pregnant and lactating women;
• Food that is nutritionally appropriate and / or easy to eat and digest for persons with difficulties swallowing or chewing;
  • mashed food can be more appropriate for some children and adults with difficulties swallowing or chewing or older persons missing teeth or with digestive problems.
  • some people might require straws for drinking.
• Include food suitable for persons with diabetes, allergies or other nutritional needs.
• Persons with disabilities that cannot easily leave their shelter might require additional vitamins, such as vitamin D and high nutrition food;
• Ensure that rations are accessible to persons with disabilities.
  • Create separate queues for persons with disabilities.
  • Manage malnutrition in people with mobility and feeding difficulties, for example, access to supplementary feeding sites.