In response to a nutritional crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners implemented a blanket supplementary feeding program (BSFP) in six counties across northern Kenya (Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, and Samburu). Children 6-36 months of age or less than <95 cm in length/height, and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) were initially the target population based on the funds available. Monthly rations of corn soy blend plus (CSB+) and oil were distributed; 200 gm CSB+ and 20 gm oil per day provided approximately 977 kilocalories per day. Systematic interventions (vitamin A supplementation, deworming and immunization per the national protocol) and health education were also included in the BSFP. Children and PLW were screened using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) at each distribution and referred to treatment if found to be acutely malnourished (moderate or severe). Caregivers were instructed to bring the registered child to each distribution to receive the ration. The initial program was planned for August–December 2011, or 5 monthly distributions, but extended until March 2012 as a result of delays in transport, mainly due to impassable roads during the short rains, and lack of prepositioned commodities caused by late contributions from donors.
