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Ensuring your child gets the adequate amount of nutrition they need after disaster or emergency may be a challenge. Here are some ways you can provide the best nutrition options to your babies and toddlers after a disaster.  

The optimal feeding practice for infants from birth to 2 years is breastfeeding with complementary fresh foods and vegetables. After a disaster, children are often more susceptible to malnutrition, and sourcing fresh produce is often a challenge. Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding their babies as this reduces the risk of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and serious illnesses during emergencies. Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed your baby; post-disaster, water for cleaning bottles and teats is limited. 

If the child has stopped breastfeeding for a period of three months or less, the mother can try to reintroduce breastmilk through the process of re-lactation, this is where the mother uses multiple breast stimulation exercises which sends hormonal signals throughout the body to switch on breast milk production. 

Although fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choices, the only source of fruits and vegetables available post-disaster for feeding children from six months may come in a can. The next best option would be fruit packed in natural juice or water.  If the canned fruit is in syrup and vegetables in brine, drain and rinse if possible before preparing; try to provide a variety of these foods in adequate amounts 2–3 times a day for babies 6–8 months and increase to 3–4 times daily between 9 to 24 months. Food should be prepared pureed, mashed, or cut into age-appropriate pieces for children to eat.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that “by 12 months, most children can eat the same types of foods eaten by the rest of the family;” therefore, parents should try to ensure that their children eat enough nutrient-dense foods such as animal-sourced foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products to support growth, and brain development and prevent iron deficiency anemia that is prevalent among infants, in Grenada, The WHO also advises that parents and guardians avoid giving drinks with low nutrient value, such as tea, coffee, and sugary soft drinks and also Limit the amount of juice offered.  Before the event, store premixed infant formula, cereals, mixed baby foods in airtight containers, and an adequate supply of clean drinking water for infants and young children.  You can visit GFNC’s social media pages and website for nutrition tips and adaptable healthy recipes for the whole family. 

Cabbages are a very versatile locally sourced vegetable that is also very good for supporting overall health and wellbeing. Cabbage is rich in Vitamin K and also vitamin C, and fiber. It is a great source of folate and vitamin B6 which both support the nervous system, energy metabolism in the body, and other essential processes. The insoluble and soluble fiber found in cabbage can help to support healthy digestion, gut health, and regular bowel movements. The vegetable also contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and sulfur compounds which help to protect the body against free radicals.

Eating cabbage can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol because it contains both potassium which helps reduce and balance blood pressure and phytosterols that reduce LDL or bad cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract.

Cabbages can also aid in eye health, a healthy pregnancy, inflammation in the body, and bone health, and help to support weight management. Red cabbage contains powerful compounds and plant pigment called anthocyanins which belong to the flavonoid family and is responsible for its colour. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in anthocyanin can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Red cabbages also contain sulforaphane which also helps support health and has cancer-fighting properties.

Cabbages can be consumed in many ways, including salads, roasted, baked with cheese and other garnishes, soups, added to sauteed meats, pasta, rice, and much more.

When preparing for an emergency there are a number of things that should be considered as it relates to Food security, supply and storage.

Food safety is paramount during the hurricane season and families; large or small need safe foods to consume during and after a disaster. There are many ways to store and prepare food for the family and it is important to have a family disaster plan which outlines food safety mechanisms for all members of the family.

When planning and storing foods for a disaster it is important to have foods stored on a short-term and long-term basis; these are foods that can be stored and consumed safely for up to three days post-disaster and also foods that are suitable to be stored for up to two weeks or more post-disaster.

Store foods that are easy to prepare such as canned and packaged that do not require cold storage, Thin ahead and plan menus to include a variety of food groups so that the family can have at least one well-balanced meal each day post-disaster. Buy items like flour, grains, seeds, and peas in bulk and if possible, keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand for use in the short term and replace them if available after the event. Store an adequate amount of water for the family; at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet, more water is needed for pregnant women and for people who are sick.

Store opened packages of cereal, crackers, sugar, pasta, rice, and others in plastic bags or Ziplock bags and place them in airtight storage buckets or containers to protect them from rodents and insects. Powdered milk should be stored in an air-tight container. Add vitamin, mineral, and protein supplements to your food storage list to ensure adequate nutrition for the long term. Check the expiration dates for all foods before storing them and ensure they are three months or more before expiration. Ensure that canned foods are free of dents or rust since this can make them unsafe to consume.

If the electricity goes out after the disaster, perishable foods should be used before using your emergency supply. Minimize the number of times cold storage equipment is open to keep foods safe a little longer; grouping foods in the freezer will help them stay cold longer and can prevent cross-contamination, especially when thawing begins. Check out our social media pages for healthy recipes and food and nutrition tips.

Mangoes not only delicious but they are very nutritious and there is a flavour and type for everyone as it they come in a wide variety. Mango is a super fruit that contains dietary fiber, natural sugar, and 20 vitamins and minerals that include vitamins C, A, B, K, and E, minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, potassium, and copper, and nutrients like carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein and fat. The fruit is not only beneficial to men but is great for everyone regardless of age because it has many health benefits for the body, including heart health, skin health, and eye health, and boosts the digestive and immune systems.

Mangoes are low in calories and may help to control blood sugar spikes among people with diabetes due to their fiber content and low impact on blood sugar when eaten in moderation. Mangoes are also rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Mangoes can help prevent certain types of cancers in collaboration with a healthy balanced diet. The nutrient properties in mangoes can also help boost brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s.

Mangoes are very versatile and can be used to make many dishes, such as salads, juices and smoothies, chow with other fruits and vegetables, cakes and pastries and the skin and flesh can be eaten raw.

The fruit and leaves of the guava plant are both filled with nutritional compounds that can be used to alleviate many health conditions in men.

Research suggests that the guava which contains high levels of the plant pigment lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and watermelon, has strong antioxidant properties, and has been shown to lower the risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate; additionally, high levels of lycopene have been associated with reduced the risk and the potential to suppress the progression of prostate cancer. This fruit may also be used to support fertility and heart, and bone health. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Apart from its benefits in alleviating the effects of prostate cancer, guavas when eaten can also aid in alleviating other illnesses which affects men such as the common cold, supports heart health, supports eye health, improves digestion and skin conditions. It is important to note that too much guava should not be consumed if you have digestive problems, that include constipation, bloating, cramps, or watery stools.  The leaves of the guava plant are also great for balancing blood glucose levels, lowering blood pressure, and preventing tooth decay by destroying harmful germs in the mouth. It can also help in weight loss and can be a great treatment for diarrhea.

Guavas are most commonly eaten raw but do make delicious juices and drinks. It can be made into jams and marmalades and added to baked goods. The leaves can also be eaten raw as well or steeped in hot water and consumed as a tea.

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