PERCEPÇÕES ALIMENTARES DE CRIANÇAS QUILOMBOLAS POR MEIO DE PHOTOVOICE: Retratos e realidades

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout the world, social groups can group themselves into communities based on political projects and collective freedom and socio-cultural ties, including those of African traditions, in Brazil known as Quilombolas. Brazil's Federal Constitution of 1988 recognized quilombolas as an important ethnic segment of the Brazilian population, with their own territorial and historical identity. Despite this relevance, these populations continue to face vulnerabilities, discrimination racial, inequalities and difficulties in accessing essential public services: health, education, social assistance and food. Maranhão ranks second nationally in the number of quilombola children, which imposes on the state the challenge of guaranteeing the care and social protection of this population. Food insecurity is one of the most obvious expressions of inequalities in children and is associated with unfavorable socio-economic contexts. Objective: To understand quilombola children's perceptions of their diet. Methodology: This is an exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, supported by the methodological framework of Photovoice and the analytical framework of Bourdieu's sociological reflexive theory. The data were collected in three quilombola communities, in the municipal public elementary school network in the rural area of Bequimão, Maranhão. It involved 23 children aged between 8 and 10. The data was collected between march, may and august 2024 in the Ariquipá, Ramal do Quindiu communities.and Rio Grande (focus group). The inclusion criteria were age and active enrollment in the public school system. Ethical aspects were respected in accordance with Resolution 466/12, with the free and informed consent of those responsible. Results: The analysis revealed two main themes: the food habitus of quilombola children and the cultural capital surrounding food. Quilombola children have a symbolic relationship with local foods, which represent their identity and cultural capital transmitted through practices and knowledge. Fish and fruit are foods that are valued as part of meaningful social practice and survival, shaped by knowledge passed on by maternal figures and interaction with the community. Participation in agricultural activities reinforces the connection with the territory, local biodiversity and the transmission of food cultural capital, promoting practical food education. However, globalization and urbanization have generated significant changes: the transition to unhealthy and ultra-processed eating habits (hamburgers and soft drinks). The perception of the quality of the food they eat shows that the children are aware of the importance of healthy eating and recognize the quality of locally produced food. However, they report a lack of resources and the introduction of industrialized foods, influenced by the media and the presence the growing number of processed products. Although the narratives reflect an appreciation of natural foods, they also show tensions between traditional cultural capital and modern influences, highlighting the difficulty of accessing healthy items due to adverse economic conditions. Final considerations: The diet of quilombola children transcends the act of nourishing; it represents a set of social practices and cultural identity that reflect cultural, social and economic capital. The preservation of cultural identity and children's well-being can strengthen food education at family and community level, encouraging the valorization of local and traditional foods. Strategies that integrate local knowledge and cultural practices with food innovations can contribute to a healthy and sustainable balance. As a comprehensive care practice, nursing must develop culturally sensitive and effective interventions that respect local knowledge and traditions, while at the same time acting to prevent nutritional problems and promote health.