PARTICIPATION OF FAMILY FARMING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM (PNAE) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ASPÁSIA, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

Abstract

The National School Feeding Program (PNAE), managed by the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), is a public policy aimed at promoting sustainable development and the social inclusion of family farmers while meeting the nutritional needs of basic education students. According to Law No. 11,947/2009, at least 30% of PNAE resources must be allocated to the purchase of products from family farming, thereby strengthening the rural economy and ensuring high-quality food for students. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the participation of family farming in the PNAE in the municipality of Aspásia, São Paulo, Brazil. To this end, the study methodology was structured into two stages of data collection and analysis. In the first stage, qualified informants in the municipality were contacted to gather general information about the PNAE. Based on the information obtained in the first stage, four family farmers participating in the Program were identified and interviewed in the second stage. In both stages, data were collected through questionnaires administered in interview format. The results showed that the municipality complies with the guidelines established by Law No. 11,947/2009 and that the Program contributes not only to students’ food and nutritional security, but also strengthens the local economy by valuing family farming and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.