DESPERTANDO O INTERESSE POR PANC NO AMBIENTE ESCOLAR RURAL

UMA ABORDAGEM PRÁTICA

Abstract

The growing search for food diversification and sustainable practices has led to interest in Non-Conventional Edible Plants (NCEPs), plant species with significant nutritional and ecological potential that are often neglected despite their abundant occurrence in various environments. Recognizing the school environment as a strategic space for raising awareness about healthy eating, this research aimed to encourage the cultivation and consumption of NEPs in a rural school context. To this end, an intervention was developed that involved an informative lecture, a practical planting activity, and tasting of dishes prepared with NEPs. The methodology adopted a qualitative approach, with data collection carried out through field notebooks and questionnaires applied to the participating students. The results revealed an initial lack of knowledge of NEPs on the part of the students, despite living in a rural area. After the intervention, the students demonstrated an understanding of the term NEPs, expressed satisfaction with the dishes tasted, and expressed the intention of sharing the knowledge acquired with their families, aiming at introducing these plants into the family diet. The research highlights the potential for educational interventions in the school environment to enhance the value of PANCs and promote more diverse and sustainable eating habits.