BP-5 Compact Food facts for kids

Comparison shot of BP-5 (by Norwegian GC Rieber Compact) and the very similar NRG-5 (by German MSI GmbH).

Distribution of BP-5 emergency food packages by UNICEF in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in November 2008

BP-5 Compact Food is a special type of emergency food. It's like a super-packed biscuit bar! This food has lots of calories and important vitamins. It is often used by groups that help people in need, like after a disaster. They give it to refugees or people who have had to leave their homes.

What is BP-5 Compact Food?

BP-5 comes in small packs, usually with two biscuit bars. A whole box of 9 packs weighs about 500 grams. This amount gives you around 2,300 calories. That's a lot of energy! This special food can last for 5 years, which is great for emergencies. A company in Norway called Compact AS makes BP-5. Groups like UNICEF buy it to help people around the world.

What's Inside BP-5?

BP-5 is made from simple but powerful ingredients. These include baked wheat flour, a special plant oil, and sugar. It also has soy protein, which is good for building muscles. Plus, it contains malt extract, important minerals, amino acids, and lots of vitamins. All these ingredients make sure people get the nutrients they need, even in tough times.

How is BP-5 Used?

BP-5 is very important for disaster relief and getting ready for emergencies. It's often given as emergency food in refugee camps. It's especially helpful for children who might not be getting enough food.

How Do People Eat BP-5?

You can eat BP-5 in two ways. You can eat the biscuit bars directly, just like a regular biscuit. Or, you can mix it with water to make a kind of porridge. This makes it easier to eat, especially for very young children or people who are very weak.

Why is BP-5 Special?

Usually, an adult gets about 250 grams of BP-5 each day. While this might not be all the calories they need, it gives them enough protein and important vitamins. BP-5 is easy to digest. It also has a neutral taste and does not contain dairy or meat. This means many people can eat it, even those with severe malnourishment or special diets.

BP-5 has also been used to raise awareness. For example, Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières) used BP-5 and another food called Plumpy'nut in a special mobile refugee camp. They traveled to big cities to show people what life is like for refugees.