NATIONAL SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM (PNAE): A HISTORICAL-POLITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is a state policy linked to the Ministry of Education's National Fund for Education Development (FNDE/MEC). Its objective is to contribute to the biopsychosocial growth and development, academic performance, learning, and development of healthy eating habits among students in public, philanthropic, or community schools across the country. The objective of this study is to describe and evaluate the history, progress, details, operation, and gaps identified in the PNAE through publications and scientific articles researched in scientific databases such as CAPES journals, Web of Science, and current updated legislation on the subject. Over the years since its inception, the PNAE has undergone numerous changes, including its management model, the target audience, the characteristics of the food offered, and the social partnerships for its implementation, in order to achieve its intended objectives. Some challenges were encountered, such as the complexity of operationalizing the PNAE, inadequate nutritionists and infrastructure in the areas of meal preparation and distribution, lack of training for lunch staff and managers, and a lack of Food and Nutrition Education (EAN) initiatives. However, other studies have shown improvements in the acceptability of healthy eating after EAN activities, as well as other benefits of the Program, which have led to a better quality of life, increased learning and higher classroom performance, and reduced dropout rates. This necessitates increased investment in the Program and oversight of its guidelines, in line with current legislation, to make this policy more effective and efficient in feeding students.