A situação alimentar de beneficiários e beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família de uma comunidade rural no sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has impacted the world in several regrettable ways, causing impacts on public health and people's living conditions. In Brazil, it affected, above all, the most vulnerable groups and further increased the existing social, racial and gender inequalities in the country. The food and nutritional security of the socially vulnerable population was seriously compromised. This research aimed to identify and analyze the food situation of beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família Program in the rural community of a municipality in the south of Minas Gerais. To this end, it is characterized as a qualitative-quantitative research, of a descriptive-interpretative nature, which included collecting data on the problem identified, in the socio-institutional context, through a questionnaire and application of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. This study resulted in a high intake by respondents of foods rich in calories, poor in nutrients and high consumption of simple carbohydrates and processed foods. Regarding the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), the study did not find families classified as having severe food insecurity, however we must remain alert.