Abstract

PAIVA, Janaína Braga de; FREITAS, Maria do Carmo Soares de  and  SANTOS, Lígia Amparo da Silva. Regional food habits in the Brazilian National School Food Program: a qualitative approach in a town of the Brazilian caatinga. Rev. Nutr. [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.2, pp. 191-202. ISSN 1415-5273.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-52732012000200002.

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study tried to interpret the meanings of the term "regional food habits" and the notions of respect for these habits by the National School Food Program. METHODS: Data were collected by semi-structured interviews with members of this program in a municipality in the caatinga region of Bahia. RESULTS: The results and discussion cover the notions associated with these habits and the reasons that explain the importance of respecting them. These notions were expressed in a polysemic way, raising themes such as food traditions, healthy food habits, technical and emic rationality, school food acceptability and food and nutritional security. CONCLUSION: There is a gap in the literature regarding concepts on the topic and a correlation of forces that try to develop new, health-oriented food habits. The preservation of what is conventionally called 'regional food habits' is implicit in the scope of the program.

Keywords : School feeding; Food habits; Public policy; Food security.