Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) perform in adverse environments making rapid adjustments to dietary needs. The National Mobile Food Services (NMFS) contract details WLFF dietary provisions on wildfire incidents.
Objective: Determine the nutrient content of food and drink provided to and consumed by WLFFs under the NMFS contract.
Methods: Individual (n = 122) dietary provisions and consumption was recorded during 1 workday. Nutritional analysis of items provided was compared with consumption and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).
Results: WLFFs consumed significantly (P < 0.05) fewer macronutrients than provided for calories, protein, and fat. Provided and consumed micronutrients were below the RDA for vitamins D and E, magnesium, and manganese.
Conclusion: Most dietary recommendations were met by NMFS provisions. Next steps include WLFF nutrition education to improve consumption and contract revisions to meet micronutrient recommendations.
Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.