Análise do programa nacional de alimentação escolar (pnae) no desempenho acadêmico: uma avaliação da alteração do regulamento do programa no ano de 2009

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) on the academic performance of public municipal school students in Brazil, specifically focusing on schools located in urban areas, excluding those with socio-correctional characteristics. The PNAE, established in 1955 and currently managed by the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), aims to provide healthy meals to students in basic education, promoting not only nutrition but also social and educational development. A significant reform of the program occurred with Law No. 11,947/2009, which mandated the inclusion of food sourced from family farming and established guidelines to ensure the provision of culturally appropriate and nutritious meals. The research is based on the hypothesis that the PNAE, by improving the nutritional quality of meals offered, positively influences the academic performance of students. National and international literature supports this relationship, highlighting that a healthy diet is fundamental for cognitive development, improving students' concentration and learning. To test this hypothesis, data from the School Census and the Basic Education Assessment System (SAEB) for the years 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013 were used, allowing for a longitudinal analysis that compares students' performance before and after the implementation of the PNAE reform. The methodology applied is based on the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, with explanatory variables that include participation in the PNAE, school infrastructure characteristics, and socioeconomic variables. Preliminary results indicate that participation in the program is associated with a significant increase in students' academic performance. Thus, the study concludes that, in addition to the PNAE, school infrastructure and local socioeconomic conditions are important determinants of academic performance. Empirical evidence suggests that public policies combining quality school meals with investments in infrastructure and local socioeconomic development are fundamental for improving educational outcomes in Brazil.