Assessment of food consumption of socially vulnerable children from São José, SC, Brazil

Abstract

Healthy eating is essential throughout all life cycles. However, inadequate nutrition in early childhood can have negative consequences for the child's growth and development. This study aimed to assess the food consumption of children aged 3 to 5 years cared for by a non-governmental organization that welcomes socially vulnerable children in the municipality of São José, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Their dietary diversity was assessed with an online questionnaire based on the “Food Consumption Markers” from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System and lists of foods from each group. The sample had 229 children, including girls (52.84%) and boys (47.16%), whose mothers mostly worked outside the home and had attended up to high school, with a per capita family income of up to one minimum wage. The research identified a considerable consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially sweets (70%), and the use of electronic devices during meals (63%). Only 43.85% of children consumed all food groups covered in the study, and the vegetable group was the least consumed. In conclusion, intervention strategies must be implemented to promote and improve the dietary and nutritional profile of children and their families. There is a particular need for interventions that go beyond the individual sphere, focusing on the implementation of intersectoral public health policies.