NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE IN CHILDHOOD: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT ON PROMOTING HEALTHY EATING

Abstract

Objective: To describe the experience of medical students in promoting child nutrition, encouraging balanced dietary practices and reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The initiative sought to spark children's interest through playful activities, highlighting the school environment as a space for learning, dialogue, and the development of positive attitudes towards healthy eating. Method: Descriptive, qualitative study in the form of an experience report. The activities were carried out by medical students and faculty members in a public school in the municipality of Sarandi (PR), and included an educational theater performance and the distribution of pamphlets containing simple and accessible recipes. The entire process was based on principles of nutritional education, emphasizing student protagonism and active learning. Results: The initiatives reinforced health promotion in school environment, improving children’s understanding of balanced eating and increasing awareness of the effects of ultra-processed foods. The experience provided medical students with personal and professional growth by fostering empathy, active listening, and effective communication. The partnership between the university and the school strengthened the integration of theory and practice, expanding the impact of the health-promotion activities. Conclusion: The proposal proved effective in fostering health literacy from early childhood. Promoting healthy eating through nutritional education and playful approaches contributed to the adoption of healthier habits. The importance of maintaining ongoing collaborative actions among the school, university, and community, along with family involvement, is emphasized to consolidate a culture of health promotion within the school environment.