The influence of Bolsa Família Program on food practices of the families of Territory of Marajo, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

This paper demonstrate the influence of the Bolsa Família Program in the eating habits of families of the Territory of Marajó, State of Pará, Brazil. Cash transfer programs have been constituted as an effective tool in access to education, health and ensuring food security in Latin countries American and the Caribbean. Using a qualitative approach and procedures of semi-structured interviews and free list, it sought information which could allow the analyse of the influence of the Bolsa Família Program on practices and eating habits of marajoaras families. It was observed that the benefit has a positive impact on access to better food, with more variety, both in quantity and quality and on lifting the life standard of respondents. However, the benefit has little relevance in the consumption of vegetables, indicating a need for educational activities with the beneficiaries on the importance of a more varied diet and rich in nutrients from natural products such as fruits and vegetables, making families direct agents in actions to combat food insecurity in the Marajo Territory.