Abstract:

Abstract Objective: to describe the situation of food and nutritional [in]security of preschool and school children participating in the Bolsa Família Program. Methods: cross-sectional study with families of preschool and school age children. Questionnaires of socioeconomic characterization, food consumption and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were applied. Anthropometric and food assessment was performed following the protocols of the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. For the statistical analysis, a chi-square test was performed with a significance level of 5%. Results: 144 families and 163 children were considered. The prevalence of food insecurity was 74.3%, and 29.4% of the children were overweight. There was a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially sugary drinks (80.4%). A statistically significant association was identified between the use of electronic devices and the consumption of sweets. Conclusion: to expand the positive effects of the Bolsa Família Program, intersectoral action is important with a view to strengthening food security programs and regulatory actions in food.

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