Abstract
The objective of this study is to analyze the food habit of quilombola families in Pará, following the guidelines of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population published by the Brazilian Health Ministry in 2014. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the communities of Santo Antônio (Concórdia do Pará, in the Northeast) and São João (Salvaterra, on Marajó Island) under protocol CEP 060/07. Analysis of consumption and preferences were made according to the guide. The results show a high consumption of sweetened coffee, beans, rice and flour, and a low participation of vegetables and fruits in the interviewees’ diet. Foods such as bread, cow’s milk, pasta, margarine, and salt crackers are common means to diversify the foods consumed by the group. As protein sources, the most notable were red meat - wild or not -, fish, beef jerky, chicken and chicken eggs. Some contradictions of the Guide are discussed in relation to such communities. Despite the advancements promoted by the guide, we conclude that following the guidelines for an adequate and healthy food habit in quilombola groups in the Amazon region presents many challenges. Food guides are important for the health and nutrition of the population; however, they need to be combined with other types of interventions that respect the country’s cultural diversity.
Keywords:
Group with Ancestors from the African Continent; Health of the Black Population; Food Culture; Diet; Food Guides