Influência da formação dos hábitos alimentares infantis na efetividade e aceitabilidade de cardápios escolares: Uma revisão de literatura.

Abstract

School feeding is an important strategy for promoting health, food and nutrition security, and the development of healthy eating habits among children and adolescents. In Brazil, this policy is implemented through the National School Feeding Program (Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar – PNAE). However, the low acceptance of school meals compromises the program's effectiveness and contributes to increased food waste. In this context, this study aimed to analyze, through an integrative literature review, the influence of children's eating habit formation on the effectiveness and acceptability of school menus. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases using descriptors related to eating habits, school feeding, the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), food acceptability, family environment, and food waste. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 addressing the proposed topic were included. The findings showed that children's eating habits are primarily formed within the family environment and are influenced by parental feeding practices, food availability, and the sociocultural context. Children with greater exposure to fresh and minimally processed foods and regular family meals showed higher acceptance of school meals, whereas frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with lower acceptance of school menus. The review also identified gaps in the literature regarding the direct association between children's eating habits and the effectiveness of school feeding programs, as well as the role of family participation in promoting healthy eating. It is concluded that the development of healthy eating habits during childhood significantly influences the acceptance of school meals, highlighting the need for integrated actions involving families, schools, and Food and Nutrition Education policies to strengthen the National School Feeding Program, improve adherence to school meals, and reduce food waste.