FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION IN THE PROFESSIONAL EXERCISE OF NUTRITIONISTS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM: A BRAZILIAN OVERVIEW

Abstract

A national study that aimed to characterize the nutritionist profile in the National School Food Program (NSFP) and analyze food and nutrition education (FNE) actions, as well as the factors that motivate and make these practices difficult. Exploratory, quali-quantitative research conducted through telephone interview with 388 nutritionists (quantitative stage) and in person with 55 nutritionists (qualitative stage). Data are descriptively presented, and qualitative information was analyzed by the Discourse of the Collective Subject. The profile indicates that nutritionists have been acting in NSFP for less than a year (32.5%) and have a public bond (55.7%); 87.9% of the municipalities do not meet the numerical parameters of nutritionists by students according to the legislation, however, most of them have FNE actions (85.1%). These actions are developed predominantly by lectures (72.5%), with semiannually frequency (38.8% in schools and 40.1% in kindergartens). The development of healthy eating habits and school food acceptability stimulate FNE. The discourses express difficulties such as lack of time, work conditions, professionals and training of subject; low FNE articulation at the school curriculum; incipient awareness of the school community and non-recognition of food as a right. DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2018.36604

Keywords

• alimentação escolar. nutricionista. educação alimentar e nutricional. política pública.