To clarify the local governments’ preparedness for food and nutrition assistance during natural disasters 2.5-year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey in 47 prefectures, 20 designated cities, 42 core cities, 8 ordinance-designated cities, 23 special wards, and 1,649 municipalities. Response rate was 71.1% (N=1,272). The percentages of the autonomies whose regional disaster prevention plan, guideline or manual mentioned “food and water stockpiles at home” and “public stockpile” were 71.1% and 84.6%, respectively. The percentage of the autonomies that built their stockpiles as planned was only 18.9%. The most common reason why not was “budget shortfall” (67.5%). Only 6.1% autonomies had the system that dietitians took part in the distribution of food aid. Nearly 30% of administrative dietitians who were dispatched to the affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake took part in only works which were not related to food and nutrition. It is required for the autonomies not only to build their stockpiles and to establish response system for natural disasters, but also to encourage residents’ self-help efforts such as home stockpiles. The system to fully use dietitians’ expertise in emergencies is also needed.

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