Challenges in the food supply chain following the great earthquake disaster in Turkey: A study of the regions of Malatya, Adıyaman and Kahramanmaraş

BACKGROUND:The consequences of natural disasters, such as damage to food systems, destruction of transport infrastructure, and organizational issues, can threaten the food security of people. Hence, food security measures are among the most important responses in the management of natural disasters. This study was conducted to identify the challenges in food security response following a great earthquake in Turkey.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study used a qualitative approach. Within the scope of this study, 37 food cooking and preparation points were examined in the Malatya, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık regions. Forty-five authorized individuals working at KIZILAY, who were responsible for all aspects of nutrition, were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with 27 inquiries selected using purposive sampling. Qualitative content analysis was performed to analyze the data. The data analysis process utilized inductive qualitative content analysis to produce themes and categories.RESULTS:Most participants (%80.00) stated that there was no food variety. Menus generally consists of foods with a low nutritional value such as refined grains, legumes, sweets, spices, seasonings, oils, and sugary drinks (particularly soft drinks). The majority of the participants stated that they could not give milk group (%91.11), vegetables (%93.33), fruits (%97.78), and eggs (%100.00). The participants stated that organizational problems (%77.77), transportation problems (%64.44), cold weather conditions (%84.44), and a lack of stock (%64.44) prevent food safety.CONCLUSION:According to the findings of this study, underlying challenges such as geographical and weather conditions, organizational problems, and vulnerability of part of the population threatened food security. The lack of nutritional diversity can cause health problems such as obesity, malnutrition, and anemia, especially in vulnerable people.