[The COVID-19 pandemic and food and nutritional insecurity in the Southeast region of Brazil: perspectives on the National School Feeding Program].

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the food and nutritional security of students assisted by the National School Meal Program at risk, due to the suspension of in-person classes. This study consisted of analyzing how PNAE actions were guided by public bodies and institutions in the capitals of the southeast region and how this may have contributed to the increase in food insecurity during the pandemic period. A documentary review was carried out, with analysis of official documents from the three spheres of government (federal, state and municipal) covering the southeast region, published in 2020 and 2021, on strategies aimed at continuing the National School Meal Program. The research results highlighted government measures that were late and contrary to the program's guidelines, which may have had an impact on the increase in food and nutritional insecurity in the southeast region in 2022 and a possible reflection of the guidelines that guided the continuity of the National School Food Program.