INTRODUCTION: This study deals with perceptions of beneficiaries of the 'Bolsa Familia' Program, in Curitiba, southern Brazil, about their feeding habits. OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of participants of the 'Bolsa Família' Program on the quality of their food. METHOD: A qualitative study based on the critical-interpretive tradition, which used individual interviews as a technique for gathering empirical data from the informants. The study included 38 individuals, members of families included in the program. The discursive content was recorded on digital media and, thereafter, transcribed and analyzed. RESULTS: After categorization, three main themes emerged: a description of food, quality of food, and feelings and experiences of individuals enrolled in the program. CONCLUSION: the acknowledgement of social vulnerability and consequent feeding habit insecurity to which such groups are subject was the main finding, as well as feelings of resignation.
Government programs; Eating habits; Qualitative research; Public policies