AQUINO, J. E.; AQUINO, José Evandro de.
Abstract:
The present work aimed to investigate the relationship between Food Insecurity in
Basic Education and the National School Meal Program (PNAE) with the purpose of
understanding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutrition of students in
public schools. The objective was also to analyze the impacts of food insecurity on
basic education, with the purpose of verifying the importance of school meals in basic
education, in addition to understanding the relationship between school meals and the
COVID-19 pandemic, and examining barriers and concerns related to school lunch.
Thus, bibliographical research was used as a method for data collection, through the
study raised in the theoretical framework on food insecurity in basic education and the
particularities of the PNAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the data
analysis reinforce the importance of offering students access to adequate school
meals, encouraging the use of student meal kits. The pandemic highlighted the need
for public policies to combat hunger. However, it is necessary to review school meals
with food kits during the pandemic period with regard to universality, which is one of
the principles of the PNAE. Finally, through the research carried out and the
suggestions presented, it was possible to confirm that by better studying the
relationship between food insecurity in basic education and the PNAE, it was prudent
to use food kits during remote teaching, as long as it covered all students enrolled in
public schools. As a result, the suspension of face-to-face classes resulted in the loss
of this essential food support, exposing existing vulnerabilities in society. Regional and
urban disparities are also highlighted, in addition to the need for investments in family
farming, to ensure that people have access to healthy food. and nutritious foods with
a focus on sustainability.
