STUDENT FEEDING IN THE FEDERAL NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION: ANALYSIS OF THE REACH OF CAFETERIAS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE FOR STUDENT PERMANENCE AND SUCCESS

Abstract

Student feeding is a fundamental pillar of student assistance policies in the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education (RFEPCT), playing a decisive role in student retention and success. This study aims to analyze the reach of student cafeterias in the Federal Network and their importance in guaranteeing student permanence, especially for those in socioeconomic vulnerability. The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, using data from the 2023 Nilo Peçanha Platform (PNP) and management reports from various Federal Institutes to estimate the percentage of students served. Results indicate that the Federal Network has 1,583,107 enrolled students, with 1,178,535 in on-site learning. The analysis reveals that between 35% and 45% of on-site students regularly use cafeterias, representing approximately 412,000 to 530,000 students across the network. The study demonstrates that cafeterias primarily serve students in integrated technical high school courses and those in socioeconomic vulnerability supported by the National Student Assistance Program (PNAES).