Emergency stock for allergies, special diets and infants

Emergency rations, donations and food distribution in emergency shelters are designed for as many people as possible. Whether a stew contains wheat, milk or nuts often cannot be said for certain there, and donations sometimes arrive without an ingredient list. For people who must strictly avoid certain foods, this is a real risk.

On top of that, special products such as gluten-free baked goods, particular infant formulas or medically prescribed nutrition drinks are not available everywhere even in normal times. When shops are closed or supply chains are disrupted, they are the first to run out. A separate buffer that keeps without refrigeration buys time and calm.

This stock is kept apart from the rest of the supplies and labelled clearly, for example “gluten-free” or “only for Lena”. If neighbours, grandparents or helpers step in, they immediately see what is meant for whom.

With a diet-related condition, planning belongs in a conversation with the treating doctor, a dietitian or – for babies – the midwife or paediatric practice. Ask specifically: what can be eaten in an emergency when the usual food is missing? What do I need to watch out for if I cannot cook?

For some conditions, food and medication are closely linked, for example with diabetes. How meals and medication fit together in an exceptional situation is not something you decide on your own, but in advance with the doctor. Some medicines also need particular storage conditions – that belongs in this conversation too.

A small information card helps: allergies, diet, medication and the contact details of the doctor's practice. One card is kept with the stock, one in the go bag. Anyone who wants to help then has all the important details at a glance, even if the person concerned cannot speak for themselves at that moment.

Infant formula is prepared only according to the directions on the package – with safe water and clean bottles and teats. This is exactly what is difficult without power and running water: water must be in stock, a heat source may only be used outdoors, and cleaning also needs water. Ready-to-feed infant formula in single portions can simplify these steps.

Anyone breastfeeding needs enough to eat and drink themselves – that belongs in the stock too. For toddlers, familiar jars, purées and snacks matter, because in an unfamiliar situation children often eat only what they know.

Babies and toddlers grow quickly. What fitted half a year ago may already be too little or the wrong type today. So check the children's stock more often than the rest of the stock. When unsure, the midwife, paediatric practice or the responsible authority can help.

A severe allergic reaction can develop within a short time. Warning signs are breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat and circulation problems such as dizziness. Then call the local emergency number immediately (112 in the EU) and use any prescribed emergency kit as it was prescribed.

Mix-ups are the most common danger when living with special supplies. Unlabelled packs among other supplies, decanted flours without a label or a shared spoon in the jar can be enough to make someone with an allergy or coeliac disease ill. Separate shelves, clear labels and dedicated utensils help.

Manufacturers sometimes change their recipes. A product that was tolerated for years can suddenly contain a new ingredient. So read the ingredient list again with every new purchase, not just the first time.

Many staple foods naturally fit certain diets: rice, potatoes and maize, for example, contain no gluten. With coeliac disease it still matters that the product is labelled gluten-free, because contamination can occur during processing. Such staples are often cheaper and keep longer than special products.

Special products are more expensive and sometimes keep for a shorter time. That makes it all the more important to use them up in everyday life and replace them, instead of forgetting them in the cupboard for years. Then the stock is always fresh and nothing is wasted.

This entry describes planning a stock, not treating a condition. Which diet, which amounts and which medication are right is decided by the treating professionals.