QUALIDADE NUTRICIONAL E CONFORMIDADE DOS CARDÁPIOS EM ESCOLAS DE TEMPO INTEGRAL NO MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

The Mato Grosso do Sul State Department of Education has adopted the Cheff Escolar Program for managing school meals in all state schools in Mato Grosso do Sul. This digital platform is used for menu planning, designed to comply with the National School Feeding Program (Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar, PNAE). The objective of this study was to analyze the school menus created through this platform for full-time schools in the state education system of a municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul and, based on this analysis, verify compliance with PNAE regulations. The AQPC Escola method was adapted to classify and analyze recommended, controlled, and prohibited foods. Results showed insufficient availability of fresh foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens, alongside an excessive presence of ultra-processed foods, such as processed meats, and low diversity. It was concluded that, although Cheff Escolar represents progress in menu management, more specific control and active supervision by nutritionists are essential to ensure compliance with PNAE guidelines and promote healthier meals for students.