Pantofagia Amazônica: um estudo sobre os hábitos alimentares dos alunos das escolas públicas do perímetro urbano do município de Óbidos-PA

Abstract

The eating habits of a given population are governed by various factors, such as food culture, income, among others. However, in recent decades, especially in large cities, the advancement of globalization, industry, and intensive livestock farming has created true "food chains" through the production and transportation of industrialized foods, changing the way we eat. Particularly in the interior of the Amazon, the transformations in the geographical space caused by the transportation and trade of these products occur more subtly. Long distances and local culture prevail; regional foods mix with globalized foods, altering the tastes and eating practices of local residents. The main objective of this research is to analyze the eating habits of students in public schools in the municipality of Óbidos-PA. To this end, the initial step is to identify the dietary determinants of the students in these schools through studies from two perspectives: the production of urban space in the municipality of Óbidos and its current spatial configuration. As a methodology, qualitative approaches were carried out: field observations, research, and relevant bibliographic surveys; and quantitative: questionnaires with students and school staff. The results obtained demonstrated a significant duality regarding the consumption of globalized foods (fast foods) and regional foods (local fruits and vegetables) by the students. The sale of food within schools is unrestricted, and there is no program aimed at promoting school health. In this sense, the schools proved to be determinants in influencing the students' eating habits.