Factors Influencing Disaster Meal Provision Manual Development in Earthquake-Prone Food Service Facilities: Insights From Japan

OBJECTIVE: This study examines factors influencing the development of disaster meal provision manuals in food service facilities in earthquake-prone regions of Japan. Given the increasing frequency of natural disasters, ensuring meal service facilities' preparedness is crucial to safeguarding vulnerable populations, including infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. METHODS: A survey of 866 meal service facilities in Mie Prefecture, Japan, was conducted to assess disaster preparedness measures. Key factors analyzed included the presence of registered dietitians, disaster preparedness drills, and stockpiling of balanced emergency food supplies. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of manual development. RESULTS: The presence of registered dietitians (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.95-4.08), disaster preparedness training (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 2.18-4.57), and balanced emergency food stockpiles (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.66-3.83) were significant predictors of disaster meal provision manual development. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the essential role of dietitians in disaster nutrition planning and highlight the need for proactive preparedness strategies to enhance food security and facility resilience. These insights can inform policy recommendations in Japan and other disaster-prone regions facing similar challenges.