In humanitarian work, this term refers to the means used to ensure food security and nutrition.

The Sphere Handbook states that undernourishment reduces people’s ability to recover from a crisis. It affects cognitive function, weakens resistance to disease, increases the likelihood of chronic illness, impairs livelihood opportunities, and limits the ability to engage in community life. It undermines resilience and may increase dependence on support.

IMIF’s statutes state that it aims to provide nutritional assistance to vulnerable people: the elderly, widows, orphans, children in prison, children born in prisons or reformatories and other vulnerable children in order to improve their health.