refugee week 2020

Articles

Jun 15

In 2017 and again in 2018 our nutritionist, Anushka Malcolm travelled to Chios, Greece to volunteer in the refugee crisis. Chios is one of the main points of entry into Europe for refugees looking for safety. It's not in the news anymore but boats are still arriving regularly from Turkey and thousands of people are on the island living in inhumane conditions as they wait for their asylum applications to be processed. While volunteering in Chios, Anushka met Ruhi Loren, CEO of charity Refugee Biriyani & Bananas which exists to fill the gaps left by the Greek government, camp management and UNHCR.

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In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we are all vulnerable. The virus has shown that it does not discriminate - but many refugees are at heightened risk. Refugees in Vial Camp, Chios, Greece are living in overcrowded conditions. With a population of 5300, the camp is currently 5x over its capacity. In these circumstances, the Covid-19 can spread like wild fire. In Vial Camp, there is no such thing as social distancing. There is no such thing as adequate hand hygiene, when residents are forced to dig wells to access water because supply is inadequate and intermittent.

Covid-19 restrictions has meant that organisations such as Refugee Biriyani and Bananas have had limited access to Vial Camp to provide aid such as food packs and clothing. Many refugees already suffer from underlying health conditions, which stem from poor nutrition and insufficient access to health care, making them highly vulnerable to the disease. Recent restrictions on international travel increase the burden on refugees, affecting mental health as they experience even longer delays in resettlement leaving them stranded or separated from loved ones.

Nutritional deficiencies are common in persons seeking asylum, usually attributed to a chronic lack of essential nutrients. One of the contributing factors is interrupted and inadequate access to nutritious food. The journey to Chios, Greece is a long and dangerous and it’s difficult to access nutrient dense food or any food at all, especially for those camping out for long periods. Once in Chios, Greece, residence in Vial Camp are forced to line up 2-3 hours for meals that are inadequate, with nutrition, quality, flavour and variety are lacking as well as small portion sizes. Inadequate access to food continues due to lack of personal funds to purchase other food, lack of familiar or traditional ingredients and lack of access to shops.

Vial Refugee Camp resident with breakfast provided in camp

Good nutrition is important for health, without it our immune system, our moods and morale all suffer. The living conditions in Vial are extremely poor, which can cause a lot of stress to the residents. Stress is known to have an unfavourable effect on the immune system. Refugee Biriyani and Bananas provides food packs to increase the nutritional quality of the diets of those living in Vial Camp. Providing food packs also gives dignity back to the residents, as they are able to cook for themselves. They are able to use the ingredients provided to either make something from scratch or combine with the food provided in Vial Camp to make it taste better and/or more substantial. Providing food packs allows individuals and families to cook for themselves, which is empowering.

Having the opportunity to prepare ones own food provides a sense of stability in a time of crisis. Cooking offers a sense of purpose and creates community as residence often share meals. Inadequate nutrition and the lifestyle of living in a refugee camp can lead to low immune health. Food packs will help to improve the nutritional quality of the diets of the residence in Vial Camp. Although we are aware that food packs wont prevent Covid-19, they will play a role I supporting the immune system and mental health of refugees, helping them to be resilient on a continual basis.

Vial Refugee Camp resident boiling water for tea

Refugee Biryani & Bananas food packs:

Lentils
Rice
Salt
Sugar
Tomato paste
Oil

These items have been chosen not only for because they are shelf-stable, versatile, familiar and accessible. These foods have been included both for their flavouring potential and for their nutritional benefits, discussed below.

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Lentils and rice

Lentils and rice are inexpensive nutrient powerhouses, packet with essential nutrients, fibre and protein. These two shelf-stable ingredients are familiar to the residents of Vial, giving them the opportunity to cook something from their own culture.

Protein

Lentils are a great source of protein, a macronutrient that is essential for healthy immune function. Amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are required in nearly all chemical processes affecting mental and physical function, in the immune system they are required for the formation of antibodies, which protect the body from antigens such as viruses and bacteria. Getting enough protein is incredibly important for you moods, as protein is required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, making serotonin (often known as the happy chemical) and blood sugar regulation.

Carbohydrates and fibre

Rice and lentils are great sources of carboydrates, which means they are a great source of energy (fuel) for the body. Rice and lentils are also both a great source of fibre, which not only makes it satiating but also good for the digestive system. The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the body’s first line of defense against disease-causing pathogens. It is where we digest and absorb nutrients; it houses our gut microbes (known as gut bacteria) and regulates immune homeostasis. To support gut health, including fibre-rich foods to feed gut microbes.

Magnesium

Rice and lentils also contain magnesium, an essential mineral required for regulating neurotransmitters. Decreased magnesium levels are linked to chronic stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Insufficient magnesium levels may be linked to reduced levels of serotonin.

Sugar and Salt

Sugar and salt are two more pantry staples. Salt is a universal flavour improver and key to seasoning meals or enhancing the bland meals provided. Sugar, of course is used as a sweetener. Tea is a really important part of many cultures, the ability to add a bit of sugar can literally bring a bit of sweetness into someone’s day. Being able to cook and season your own food and make your own cups of tea is gives a little bit of dignity back.

Tomato paste

Tomato paste is a super versatile, flavour rich pantry stable that can quickly transform a bland meal.

Vitamin C

Tomato paste contains vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to increase resistance to infection and strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C reduces the severity and length of time of cold and flu symptoms. Vitamin C is found highly concentrated in the brain, where it functions both as an antioxidant, decreases stress activity and supports mental health.

Oil

Is a pantry staple and very useful in cooking. It can enhance the flavor of a dish. Oils are high in calories/kilojules (energy), which important as serving sizes of state-provided food is so small. Oils (sources of fat) are also necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, E, K and D, essential for health and importantly supporting the immune system.

Click this link to find out more about the action Refugee Biriyani and Bananas is taking to help refugees living in Chios