The partnership between the Brazilian School Feeding Program and family farming: a way for reducing ultra-processed foods in school meals

ObjectiveTo evaluate the profile of food acquisition in the National School Feeding Program according to the extent and purpose of food processing in three municipalities of southern Brazil during the implementation period of Law 11.947/2009.DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study. Data for 2008-2010 involved quantities, prices and types of suppliers for food items purchased. In total, 1529 purchases were analysed. The items were classified into the following groups: G1 (unprocessed/minimally processed), G2 (culinary ingredients), G3 (processed), G4 (ultra-processed). Quantities of purchased foods were converted into energy and average prices ($US/4184 kJ (1000 kcal)) were calculated. The proportion of each food group in total purchases was expressed as both a percentage of total energy and a percentage of total expenditure. Data analysis was carried out in Stata version 12.1.SettingThree municipalities in southern Brazil.ResultsRelative contribution to total energy purchased was high for G1 (498 %; G2, 238 %; G3, 45 %; G4, 218 %). Among acquisitions from family farming, G1 represented 513 % of the total energy purchased; G2, 99 %; G3, 197 %; G4, 190 %. Total cost was as follows: G1, 616 %; G2, 39 %; G3, 185 %; G4, 160 %. Prices for food products from family farms were consistently higher. Average price from family farms was 13; from conventional suppliers, 09.ConclusionsThe implementation of Law 11.947/2009 produced a positive effect on the regional profile of food purchases for the School Feeding Program. However, there is still considerable potential to promote health by strengthening relationships between family farming and school feeding.