Qualidade da alimentação escolar de crianças de 2 a 5 anos em escolas públicas e privadas de Santa Cruz/RN

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate nutrition in childhood is essential for growth, development, and the formation of healthy habits, impacting lifelong health, with ultra-processed foods being discouraged until two years of age. Public schools, through the PNAE (National School Feeding Program), play a fundamental role in promoting Food and Nutritional Education (FNE), integrating actions to improve children's habits and health. Private schools are also responsible for fostering healthy habits, whether by controlling foods available in canteens or by including educational activities in the curriculum. Objective: To analyze the quality of food offered and/or consumed in school meals by children aged 2 to 5 years enrolled in public and private schools in the municipality of Santa Cruz/RN. Methodology: A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted with 122 children (81 from public schools and 41 from private schools) in Santa Cruz/RN. Socioeconomic data and dietary patterns were collected through questionnaires and direct observation. Foods were classified according to their degree of processing and food groups. Statistical analysis used SPSS software and the chi-square test (p<0.05). Results: In public schools, 89% of school meals consisted of in natura/minimally processed foods. In contrast, in private schools, only 20% of consumed foods were in natura/minimally processed, with a predominance of ultra-processed foods (75%). Sweets (32.5%), fried foods and savory snacks (42.5%) were also more frequent in private schools. Conclusion: Public schools offer healthy food, following PNAE guidelines. On the other hand, students in private schools show a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, highlighting the need to strengthen healthy school feeding actions for this population.