COMMENSALITY IN PUBLIC FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY FACILITIES: THE CASES OF COMMUNITY KITCHENS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze commensality in Community Kitchens located in three municipalities in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, considering these spaces as Public Food and Nutrition Security Facilities. The research adopted a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach, based on semi-structured questionnaires applied to 24 professionals from the technical, operational and management teams of three community kitchens. The results indicate that these facilities go beyond providing meals and also function as spaces of reception, coexistence, care and the construction of bonds among commensals. The study observed a predominance of adults, Black and mixed-race people, which brings the identified profile closer to the social, racial and gender inequalities that shape food insecurity in Brazil. The teams’ perceptions point to positive feelings during meals, such as sociability, belonging and recognition, although situations of silence, loneliness and limits in everyday observation were also reported. The article concludes that Community Kitchens can strengthen the Human Right to Adequate Food when articulated with care, food memory, territory and continuous public policies.