Análise da política pública no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar na região de Ponta Grossa- PR, no período 2020-2023

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the education sector, impacting public policies related to school feeding programs. The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) faced significant difficulties in ensuring students' right to adequate nutrition during this period. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the PNAE was able to fulfill its guidelines and objectives during the crisis, ensuring the distribution of healthy food to students. The actions implemented by the program to ensure food distribution during the suspension of face-to-face classes will be evaluated. Additionally, the compliance of the PNAE guidelines regarding the nutritional quality of the provided food will be analyzed, along with the effects of distributing food from local family farming. The challenges faced by municipalities belonging to the Ponta Grossa Regional Core in implementing the program during the pandemic will be identified, comparing it with the post-pandemic period. This analysis will enable a better understanding of the pandemic's impact on PNAE implementation and suggest improvements and adaptations for future crisis situations. By contributing to the debate on the importance of school feeding in guaranteeing the right to adequate nutrition, even in times of crisis, this study may offer insights to enhance public policies related to school feeding and promote equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic status. Understanding the central role of the state in implementing public policies like the PNAE and its significance in addressing various issues is crucial. The School Feeding Program is one of Brazil's main public policies, helping to enhance students' academic performance, educate on healthy eating habits, and support the local economy through family farming. In this pandemic context, it is essential to analyze how the PNAE was carried out and what government measures were taken to ensure policy compliance. Moreover, considering the pandemic's impacts on program implementation and the challenges faced by municipalities under the Regional Education Core and Ponta Grossa to meet students' nutritional needs is important. The evaluation's result of PNAE performance through the Logical Model indicates significant challenges regarding the universality of service. Based on the findings, the need for improvement and specific focus in this area becomes evident. The commitment to promoting human rights and universal service emerges as key areas requiring special attention to ensure all students are adequately served within the program.