The perception of childhood educators about food and nutrition education

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to address the perceptions about feeding and nutrition of educators in children’s education in the city of Água Boa, Minas Gerais, following a qualitative approach and based on the theory of social representations. All educators are female, and 86% of them have completed higher education. They consider food and nutritional education (EAN) important for the promotion of healthy eating habits among children. Their knowledge about EAN is based on the biological aspects of food, while cultural, social and educators do not recognize psychological aspects. The conclusion is that work needs to be carried out with this group on the existence of other dimensions of EAN, through the valuing of food culture and the local food production system. It is necessary to encourage the participation of these educators in the school community, as well as to work on the theme of EAN in a transversal manner.