Addressing the Nutritional Crisis in Lebanon: Strategic Interventions for Emergency Response and Food Security

Background: In the context of the multidimensional crisis that Lebanon has been going through since October 2019, food security is seriously compromised, exacerbated by currency depreciation, economic crises, the explosion at the port of Beirut, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This work aims to develop a strategic response to alleviate food insecurity in Lebanon by proposing a national nutrition plan adapted to the current situation. Methodology: A mixed methodology was adopted to analyze the impacts of the economic crisis on the dietary habits and food security of Lebanese families. This approach combines a quantitative survey, conducted through a questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of the population, and qualitative interviews conducted with key informants in the fields of nutrition and agriculture. The actions undertaken by the public and private sectors were also assessed, allowing recommendations to be made for the development of a national nutrition plan adapted to current challenges. Results: The results show a significant deterioration in dietary habits and food security, with more pronounced impacts among the most vulnerable households. Current public and private sector actions are considered insufficient in the face of the magnitude of the crisis. Recommendations include the need for enhanced coordination of initiatives, cooperation of healthcare workers, improvement of local production, and emergency measures to support the most affected populations. Conclusion: This work calls for urgent reform of nutrition policies and increased mobilization of resources to effectively respond to the food crisis. Rapid implementation of the proposed recommendations is crucial to avoid further deterioration of the nutritional situation and improve public health in Lebanon.