Food and nutritional education from theory to practice: an experience report

Abstract

Objective: The present work aimed to develop an experience in the food and nutrition education area and, for that, academic students of Nutrition performed educational activities with students from a state school in Porto Alegre. Indeed, we aimed to contribute to a better food knowledge and to change food consumption healthy habits of the students.

Description of experience: In order to do so, during the Nutrition Education subject, two academic students were oriented to perform weekly-illustrated educational interventions with 17 students between 10 and 12 years old for two months. The first step was the diagnosis, where it was identified a high percentage of overweight, besides a high consumption of fried foods, sweets and soft drinks. Based on these data, educational actions were planned.

Conclusion: It became evident the importance of using playful materials in the activities, as well as brief and attractive videos and an approach that is adequate to the profile of the target public. Through the interventions performed, a knowledge basis was built, providing students with conditions to reflect and make decisions on perceived facts. The acquired experience prepares the graduating students to solve unexpected situations and to deal with educational actions according to the needs of the target group.