Purchase of family farm and organic foods by the Brazilian School Food Program in Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the purchase of family farm and organic foods by the Brazilian School Food Program in the municipalities of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods This is an analytic and descriptive study conducted from 2010 to 2011. An electronic survey was sent to all 293 Santa Catarina municipalities. The Chi-square test investigated the association between the study variables. Results Between 2010 and 2011, the number of municipalities that purchased family farm foods increased by 36%, with a total of 96% of Santa Catarina municipalities buying family farming foods in 2011. Of the 96%, 70% complied with Article 14 of Law nº 11,947/2009, which determines that at least 30% of the funds provided by the National Fund for the Development of Education should be spent on family farm products, and 48% purchased organic foods. The South was the state region that most complied with Article 14 (85%; p=0.02). However, as municipality size increased, compliance with Article 14 decreased (p=0.04). The municipalities that had the most difficulties buying family farm and organic foods were those with the lowest Municipal Human Development Index and number of students. Conclusion Most Santa Catarina municipalities purchased family farm foods in 2011, and most municipalities that complied with Article 14 of Law nº 11,947/2009 were in the South state region. Finally, municipalities with low Municipal Human Development Index and number of students had the most difficulties buying family farm foods.