Assessing the nutritional content and adequacy of food parcels among vulnerable Lebanese during a double crisis: COVID-19 pandemic and an economic meltdown

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the nutritional content and quality of food parcels distributed in Lebanon and assess their adherence to dietary guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented economic crisis. Design: Cross-sectional study (June-July 2020); phone survey (30-items) Setting: Lebanon Participants: Food parcel providers (FPP; n=72) involved in food parcel distribution (FPD), mainly to Lebanese households. Results: FPP included International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs) (n=3), local NGOs (n=45), and personal initiatives (n=24). Overall, low adherence to the World Food Programme (WFP) food parcel guidelines were observed among FPP for specific food items, including vegetables, fish, legumes, and cereals; whereas salt content significantly surpassed the guidelines (all p-values <0.001). On average, a food parcel provided 608.4±55 kcal/day/person. The greatest contributors to total energy intake (TE) in the food parcel were carbohydrates (46.4%) and fats (46.8%), while protein contributed to 7%TE. In addition, %TE from fats and sugars significantly surpassed the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for a single-person per day (134-234% and 185% of DRIs, respectively, p-values <0.001). Only 10-15% of daily needs for key micronutrients, including iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, and dietary folate, were met through the food parcels. Adequate food safety and hygiene practices were reported among FPP, yet dramatic changes in food costs due to overlapping crises affected the quality and quantity of food in parcels. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need to improve the nutritional content of food parcels and adherence to dietary guidelines to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity while preventing diet-related diseases among vulnerable beneficiaries in Lebanon.