The basic ration recommended for the needy today
Helen Young, in Food Scarcity and Famine (1992) provides details of the basic food ration which is necessary for those in need today. It should include:
a) a staple food such as wheat, maize, sorghum or rice, to provide the bulk of the protein and energy b) vegetable or butter oil to provide a concentrated source of energy and to make the food more palatable c) beans or lentils to increase the amount of protein. She suggests that processed foods, such as fortified blends of cereals and beans) can be used in an emergency.
She tells us that the United Nations World Food Programme, and the High Commissioner for Refugees, recommend that people should have a minimum of 1900Kcal per day. The amount should be greater if feeding malnourished children or sickly adults. There is also need for more calories if people are involved in manual work or if they are exposed to the cold.
A basic ration might involve:   350 - 500 gm cereal 20 - 40 gm oil 50 - 100 gm beans How would you feel if this was your diet?
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