NUTRICIONAL EDUCATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: “DESPERDIÇÔMETRO” EXPERIENCE IN A SCHOOL ENVIROMENT

Abstract

Food waste in schools is a challenge for sustainability, economy, and the development of healthy habits. This study reports the “Desperdiçômetro” project, carried out at Colégio Jean Piaget (Santos-SP) with students aged 6 to 10. The intervention included daily weighing of leftovers, graphical records in the cafeteria, visual analogies with rice bags and child-sized plates, application of questionnaires, and family communication. After adjustments in meal service, food waste decreased by 11.7 kg (25.38%), and students became more aware of their consumption. The main causes were oversized portions, prior snacks, haste to play, and low acceptance of some foods. Visual and educational strategies with family involvement proved effective for Food and Nutrition Education (FNE)