QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SCHOOL MENUS IN BAIXADA SANTISTA

Abstract

The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) aims to ensure adequate nutrition and school attendance. This is a descriptive study that aimed to evaluate the PNAE menus (Aug–Dec/2024) from three municipalities in the Baixada Santista region (Cubatão/Guarujá/Santos) using the IQ-COSAN tool developed by the National Fund for Educational Development. Results: Cubatão stood out for having the greatest variety of fruits, but also for offering prohibited foods. Guarujá stood out for providing vegetables, legumes, and dairy products, but showed a low supply of beans and foods rich in vitamin A. Santos presented the highest supply of beans and inclusion of regional foods, but had a low supply of sociobiodiversity foods and a high presence of prohibited foods. These findings reinforce the need for constant monitoring of PNAE menus to ensure compliance with established nutritional standards