The role of the nutritionist in the National School Food Program in the southern region of Brazil

The scope of this study was to verify the appropriateness of the minimum numerical benchmark parameters in relation to the mandatory attributions of nutritionists in the South of Brazil in accordance with CFN resolution 465/2010. It is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of technicians of the National School Food Program (PNAE) who monitor school food in the southern region of Brazil (Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul). Questionnaires were sent electronically to the technicians of PNAE. The results obtained were compared with the recommendations of Resolution CFN 465/2010, regarding the fulfilment of the mandatory attributions and adaptation to the minimum numerical benchmark parameters of this legislation. The results reveal non-compliance in 71.6% cities of the South of Brazil regarding the number of nutritionists required in accordance with the minimum numerical benchmark parameters of the aforesaid resolution. This discrepancy has an impact on the attributions of nutritionists in the PNAE. These discrepancies highlight the need for partnership-building and intersectoral work to bolster the implementation of PNAE, in addition to highlighting the need to ensure the working conditions to enable the professionals to perform their activities as planned.