Optimizing Nutritional Solutions for Winter Disaster Response in Japan

On January 27, 2026, the Japan Optimization Nutritional Food Association (JONFA) participated in a crucial winter disaster exercise organized by the Hokkaido University of Health Sciences in collaboration with the Japanese Red Cross. This event, named the "Winter Shelter Deployment and Accommodation Drill 2026," aimed to test and verify the effectiveness of optimized nutritional foods in real-life disaster scenarios.

This exercise, held from January 17 to 18, brought together various stakeholders to address the pressing social issues concerning food during emergencies. Notably, it underscores the commitment of JONFA to contribute solutions to nutritional challenges faced during disasters, particularly in harsh winter conditions. The collaboration emerged from a memorandum of understanding signed between JONFA and the disaster response research institute of Hokkaido University on December 8, 2025, aimed at tackling societal problems related to food in crisis situations.

The 2026 drill was a continuation of a series of exercises that began with the aim of developing effective responses to disasters occurring during the cold months. This year marked the 13th iteration of the exercise, following the tragic Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024 and the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. These incidents highlight the necessity for continuous improvement in disaster preparedness for winter emergencies.

JONFA provided a range of certified optimized nutritional food products, specifically frozen meals designed for disaster situations. A focal point of the exercise was the testing of battery-operated cookers which facilitated the quick and safe provision of warming meals under challenging conditions. The feedback collected during the exercise revealed that participants found the meals not only nutritious and warming but also enjoyable, confirming the potential of these optimized nutritional foods as a viable meal option in emergency shelters.

Benefits of Optimized Nutritional Food

Optimized nutritional food refers to meals tailored to meet individual health needs based on factors like age, gender, and lifestyle. This plays an essential role in ensuring balanced nutrition, especially during times of crisis when typical access to a varied diet is severely restricted.

Key Activities Post Exercise

Following the successful drill, JONFA aims to broaden the understanding and application of optimized nutritional foods not only in disaster situations but also for everyday nutritional challenges. The association is set to engage in further campaigns and educational outreach to promote the importance of tailored nutrition in enhancing overall wellbeing.

The association emphasizes that their mission is to align nutritional designs with specific health requirements, enabling better physical, mental, and social well-being for individuals through balanced diets.

Certification Matters

The “Optimized Nutritional Food” certification mark is awarded to products meeting the rigorous nutritional standards set forth by JONFA, ensuring that they play their role effectively in improving health outcomes during critical situations.

For more information about their mission and related activities, visit the official website of the Japan Optimization Nutritional Food Association.

In conclusion, the collaboration between JONFA and Hokkaido University exemplifies a proactive approach to meeting the unique nutritional needs of individuals in disaster situations, setting a benchmark for future practices in emergency preparedness across Japan.