O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) na rede pública municipal de Parnaíba-Piauí

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) in the municipal public network of Parnaíba, Piauí, highlighting its importance as a public policy in the promotion of food security, in the fight against hunger and in the guarantee of the right to education. The research has a qualitative approach, of exploratory and descriptive character, carried out through bibliographic research and on-site observation in two municipal schools, one of Early Childhood Education and the other of Elementary Education and EJA. The results reveal that, despite the advances provided by the PNAE, there are still challenges related to the insufficiency in the amount of food sent, the non-compliance with the planned menus and the limitations in the infrastructure of storage and handling of food. It was also observed that for many students, school meals represent their main daily meal, which evidences the social and educational role of the program. The research concludes that, although the PNAE is a consolidated and essential public policy, there is a need to improve its execution, especially with regard to logistics, inspection and quality assurance of food. The importance of the work of nutritionists, the School Feeding Council and the appreciation of family farming in strengthening the program is also highlighted.