In response to a request from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Defense, the Food and Nutrition Board was asked to develop technical specifications for a product for use in food relief after natural disasters or other emergency situations around the world.

The report, High-Energy, Nutrient-Dense, Emergency Relief Food Product, defines the specifications of an emergency relief food product that would

• satisfy the nutritional requirements of populations of all ages above 6 months,
• be appropriate for use as the sole source of subsistence for up to 15 days,
• be acceptable to a wide spectrum of cultures and ethnic and religious backgrounds,
• be eaten on the move without need for preparation, be stable for at least 3 years, and
• be amenable to land or air delivery.