SCHOOL MENUS: CHALLENGES FACING THE NEW FOOD GUIDELINES OF THE NATIONAL SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM.

Abstract

Introduction: The National Food and Nutrition Program (NFNP) is a Brazilian public policy that guarantees the distribution of school meals in more than 5000 cities, with menus planned according to current dietary guidelines. However, some studies show that there is no adequacy in many regions of Brazil. Objective: To analyze the quality of elementary school menus in cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the strengths and weaknesses of the current PNAE dietary guidelines. Methods: the 2018 Menu Quality Index tool of the Food and Nutrition Security Coordination (FNSC) was used for the qualitative analysis of 27 menus of municipal schools. The dietary guidelines of the new resolution published in 2020 guided the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of menus. Results: 68% of the menus are considered adequate and 32% need improvements, such as increasing the supply of in fresh foods, reducing restricted foods and increasing food diversity. Faced with the new guidelines, it is necessary to adapt the supply of ultra-processed and processed foods. However, many have adequate vegetables and fruits, foods that are sources of heme iron, and the limited offer of sweet regional preparations and dairy drinks. Conclusion: The analysis by the 2018 FNSC and the new 2020 NFNP guidelines identified that most cities need to reduce the frequency of ultra-processed foods and replace them with fresh foods, respecting the local food culture. Still, they should increase the diversity of foods and adapt to current recommendations.