[Contribution of the Food and Nutritional Surveillance to Food and Nutritional Security: a qualitative and quantitative study].

Abstract

The objective of this study was to know the perception of the actors involved about the contributions of the Food and Nutritional Surveillance (VAN in portuguese) for the policies and public actions of Food and Nutritional Security (SAN in portuguese), having the Food Sovereignty of the peoples as a principle. The research was cross-cutting exploratory, with questionnaires being applied to managers, researchers and members of civil society organizations operating at the VAN and/or SAN. The responses were systematized via Microsoft Excel® and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and analyzed descriptively and using thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. 142 actors participated, mostly women active in nutrition and at the local level. As a result, the potential of the VAN to provide visibility to different Brazilian territories was highlighted. As challenges, political inertia and a lack of articulation and awareness among professionals working on the agendas were mentioned. Strengthening the participation of civil society and the broad dissemination of information were suggested strategies. VAN's contribution to SAN policies is recognized and the reported setbacks provide a basis for implementing measures to advance the integration between health and SAN.