Evaluation of the acquisition of food items from family farming for school meals

The Efficient Manager of School Meals Prize organized by the non-governmental organization Acao Fome Zero, identifies and rewards municipalities with good municipal public administration of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acquisition of food items from family farming by municipalities that registered and were selected to receive the prize. The study used data from the 8th edition of the 2011 Prize regarding the report given by municipalities about the percentage of food purchased from family farming and the types of food items purchased. From the 1.082 municipalities registered, 22 were awarded. From these, 19 purchased from family farming, and 18 municipalities declared the percentage and mentioned the foods that are purchased. From these, eight municipalities achieved the goal of 30% of purchase from family farming. The food groups most commonly bought by 83% of municipalities were fruits / fruit pulps and vegetables; the sweets group was purchased by 67% of municipalities. Despite the group of cereals, tubers and roots occupies the 4th position, only 2 municipalities reported buying rice. The most purchased food of this group were potatoes and cassava. According to the results, the municipalities awarded are purchasing products from family farming in accordance with the Law 11.947/2009 - National School Feeding Program; however, the variety of types of food purchased needs to be expanded in order to contribute to the formation of healthy eating habits of school children.