Evaluation of the municipal school feeding program of Olinda – Pernambuco

Abstract

A descriptive study performed in Olinda town, Northeast Brazil, in 2002, to diagnose the status of the Municipal School Feeding Program. The studied population consisted of a probabilistic sample of 646 students, representing 25% of the municipal schools. Information was gathered applying coded questionnaires addressed to build 4 study profiles: school, snack preparers, students and food consumption. The capacity to process the school meals was evaluated as average; being the items kitchen area, refectory and auxiliary equipments considered the worst. The program lacks of complementary activities, which would allow it a greater development and would enable to improve nutritional conditions. In the profile evaluation of the snack preparers, the lack of training to develop such activity was evidenced. There were not serious problems in general conditions of the kitchens related to lighting, water and air circulation, among others. Regarding the students, they belong to a low socioeconomic class, which is characterized by their parents’ unemployment or low income jobs and large families. The school snack is well accepted but still there are students who buy low nutritional value foods in the school environment. Comments and suggestions of the students about the school snack are not usual, neither there are talks about right ways of feeding; this is worse in school environment. The consumed meals do not meet recommended nutritional values; being calcium and Vitamin A the most affected nutrients. This study constitutes a successful experience to evaluate decentralized Programs of School Feeding in Brazil. The problems found demand urgent responses to rescue the program.