SCHOOL NUTRITION: PROMOTING EQUALITY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HEALTHY EATING

Abstract

Proper nutrition plays a key role in child development, especially in schools, by providing the nutrients needed for children's growth, health, and learning. This has become even more important in public schools, since in many cases the children who study in such educational institutions do not have a quality diet, as occurs in most private educational organizations. Given this, this article seeks to address the importance of school nutrition as a tool to promote equality and child development through healthy eating. The relevance of adequate nutrition in childhood is discussed, highlighting the inequalities in access to school meals and the importance of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). It also addresses the impact of school feeding on children's development and learning, as well as the need for food education and health promotion, challenges, future prospects and the role of strategic partnerships. By considering these aspects, we seek to promote a reflection on the importance of adequate school nutrition for the full development of children and for the construction of a healthier and more egalitarian society.