The Brazilian Popular Restaurant Program as an integrated action for food security and health promotion: a user´s profile-oriented approach

Abstract

The Brazilian Popular Restaurant Program is a food security and nutrition action. O Program targets those who are considered the most vulnerable people, especially regarding socioeconomics and health conditions. The research aimed at assessing the Brazilian Popular Restaurant Program as an integrated action for food security and health based on a user´s profile-oriented approach. A cross-section survey was conducted in 2007 in Palmas-TO, Northern Brazil. Socioeconomic variables, food consumption and health conditions of the popular restaurants’ users were evaluated by questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were also collected by trained researchers. A total of 600 users of the two units of the Popular Restaurant Programme in Palmas TO, Brazil, participated voluntarily to the study. Socioeconomic data describes that not all users fulfill the financial requirements to benefit from the program. A food pattern of users comprises a low fruit and vegetables consumption. Health and nutritional data indicates a relevant number of the users with monotonous diet and low physical activity level. The results point out that the Program needs to be improved specifically regarding development of health promotion towards the prevention of non-communicable diseases.