THE NATIONAL SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM AND THE ROLE OF LOCAL ACTORS IN PROMOTING RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In the current form of execution, the National School Meal Program (NSMP) aims to promote food and nutrition security and support local development by encouraging family farming. By to recognize that the implementation of the program is intersectoral, also if recognizes the need for an actor who dialogue with the various departments involved in its operation. Thus, the objective of the study was to contextualize the role of the nutritionist in the execution of NSMP at the municipal level. This way, it was accomplished, first, a review of literature on related topics, and, subsequently, it was developed a case study in the municipalities that form the Paraná Basin 3. The main difficulties encountered were climatic conditions, seasonality, and insufficient production, and the main strategies used by nutritionists was to have a close relationship with family farmers, forming partnerships with Technical Assistance and Rural Extension and stimulate the production of diversified and organic foods.