Food availability in school menu for elementary and middle school students in the context of PNAE, in Codó, Maranhão

Abstract Introduction Meals under the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) allows to meet the nutritional needs of students in the school environment through healthy and balanced diet containing food from family farms (FF). This study aimed to describe the preparations offered in students meals and foods coming from family farms in the PNAE of the municipality of Codó/MA. Method a descriptive, school-based study, including all elementary and middle schools of the urban area, linked to PNAE, between March and June 2015. Results all schools (n=26) participated in the study. About 16% of the preparations offered met the menu planned. We observed the presence of at least one food from FF in more than half of the schools visited. Conclusion most of the preparations offered did not meet planned menu. Foods originated from the FF were: milk, cake, fruits, beans, rice, among others.