NFIs

Non-food items (NFIs) are goods provided in humanitarian and disaster-relief operations to meet the basic household needs of affected populations when food assistance is not the focus. NFIs address shelter, personal care, clothing, and essential household functions. Typical items include blankets, sleeping mats or mattresses, clothing, kitchen sets, cooking pots and utensils, jerrycans or water containers, soap and hygiene kits, towels, buckets, and solar lamps. In climates with extreme temperatures, items such as extra blankets or fans may be included to adapt to local conditions.

NFIs are packaged into standardized kits or bundles (for example, household kits, shelter kits, and hygiene kits) to streamline procurement, storage, and distribution. Standards are guided by humanitarian norms and sectoral guidelines; the Sphere Handbook is commonly used to inform adequacy, safety, and cultural appropriateness. Item selection emphasizes durability, ease of transport, compatibility with local markets, and timely replacement when needed.

Implementation and monitoring: NFIs are distributed through government agencies, UN operations, and non-governmental partners, often in consortia. In some contexts, cash-based interventions or vouchers supplement or replace in-kind NFIs to support local vendors. Targeting and post-distribution monitoring assess whether needs are met and what items should be replenished. Inventory management, warehousing, and waste handling are important considerations to minimize loss and environmental impact.