Avaliação da segurança alimentar e nutricional em escolas do Eixo Forte, Santarém, Pará

Abstract

Food and Nutrition Security ensures regular and permanent quality food for the population. The school phase deserves food attention due to the teaching-learning process and child growth/development. The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is a strategy that emerges in the context of ensuring the right to healthy eating in the school environment. The present study aimed to evaluate food and nutritional security in schools located in The Forte Axis, Santarém, Pará. Data on the nutritional profile were obtained from anthropometric measurements. A hygienic and sanitary evaluation was carried out from the Checklist at food preparation sites in schools. The acceptability of the preparations served was verified through the application of tests. Finally, the main food groups that constituted the school lunch menu were performed. The results showed that anthropometric measurements of most students were adequate for age, however, a percentage of students with short stature for age was observed predominantly at São Braz school. Regarding weight for age, there was an overweight trend in both schools and also a percentage, although small, of children with low weight for age in schools. The sanitary conditions of the food preparation sites in both schools were regular with a score of 67 points and 66 points in the schools of São Braz and Irurama, respectively. The acceptability of lunch at São Braz school showed that "Vatapá" (85%) and "Rice, Beans and Charque" (73%) obtained a higher percentage of acceptance in são Braz and Irurama schools, respectively. The food group "Tubers and Roots" was very present (7-8 times in weekly frequency), however, "Legumes" and "Fruits" need to be better incorporated into the schools menu. It is concluded that children need to be routinely monitored for anthropometric measurements, especially at São Braz school. Food preparation sites should be reviewed as they may compromise food security in schools. The group of "Fruits" and "Vegetables and Legumes" should be encouraged, since they bring contributions to child growth and development.