Perspectivas Locais sobre o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar em uma Comunidade Indígena de Aquidauana-MS

Abstract

The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is one of the largest food security programs in the world. The program aims to regionalize school meals by promoting the use of locally sourced food from family farming, providing healthy and contextualized meals to students. However, there is a lack of research on the program in schools and indigenous communities. This study aims to obtain a local perspective on the PNAE in indigenous schools, particularly in Aldeia Bananal-Taunay, Aquidauana/MS. Bibliographic and documentary research, as well as observations in the municipality and indigenous schools in the Aquidauana-MS region, were conducted. The information gathered was used as a tool for discussion and evaluation of the PNAE in this context. It is important to highlight the significance of evaluating the program from the beneficiaries' perspective, although it can be challenging as it requires an understanding of the viewpoint of those directly involved in the process. Positive advancements were identified in the collected information, along with challenges related to the PNAE in indigenous schools. Strengthening the participation of indigenous farmers in the PNAE is fundamental to promoting sustainable economic development, where the cultural and nutritional diversity of communities is reflected in school meals.