overview of the process necessary to estimate food and nutritional needs in emergency situations. Following adoption of the initial planning figure of 2,100 kcal/person/day, adjustments are made based on factors such as temperature, health or nutritional status of the population, demographic distribution of the population and activity levels. These points should be revisited as part of the monitoring process as more information becomes available through assessments.

Four main factors should be taken into consideration when making decisions to adjust the initial planning figure for energy. These include environmental temperature, and the population’s health and nutritional status, demographic characteristics, and physical activity level. A. Environmental temperature A cold environment increases an individual’s energy expenditure—especially if shelter, clothing and/or heating are inadequate. Current convention uses an average temperature of 20ºC as a base, adding an allowance of 100 kcal for every 5º below 20ºC as shown in the box below.

. Health and nutritional status Energy requirements increase during periods of nutritional rehabilitation and recovery from severe illness, requiring an upward revision of the ration level. For example, such a revision would be required for a population that has suffered severe