Quality analysis of menus of the National School Feeding Program in a city of Rio de Janeiro State - Brazil

the aim of this study was to perform a qualitative analysis of menus planned and executed in a public school of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). During 1 month school menus were evaluated according to the Qualitative Evaluation of Menus Preparation method by using variables related to food and lunch preparation. Data in relation to the total number of days of menus were evaluated. Planned and executed menus showed, respectively, 20% and 26.7% of presence of salad, 100% and 80% of inclusion of fruits and 0% and 26,7% of presence of sweets, respectively. Regarding the garnish, planned menus presented 50% of preparations with vegetables; however, on executed menus, this percentage was 26.7%. The main differences between menus were unscheduled changes that can negatively contribute to the quality of school meals. Reformulations in the planning of menus and more control in their implementation are suggested as measures to promote healthy eating habits in the school environment.