A food parcel is a package of essential, highly nutritious food items distributed by governments or aid agencies to vulnerable people during war, famine, natural disaster, or other emergencies. Parcels are designed to meet immediate nutritional needs with foods that are energy-dense, protein-adequate, and fortified where possible — typically cereals, pulses, oil, sugar, salt, and sometimes dried milk or ready-to-eat rations — and packed to survive rough transport and storage without refrigeration. Distribution is usually targeted through registration systems to reach the most vulnerable households first. While parcels save lives in acute crises, aid agencies increasingly complement them with cash or voucher programs that let people buy locally and support surrounding markets.