OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the conclusive reports of the Brazilian School Food Council on the implementation of the National School Food Program. METHODS: This quantitative and qualitative study analyzed 4,256 reports in the quantitative phase and 2,299 reports in the qualitative phase. The reports were issued in 2009. A total of 4,135 annual synthetic statements on physical and financial implementation of the Program were also analyzed. The reports were analyzed in the qualitative phase by content analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis showed that the implementing party provided no consideration for food purchase in 24.4% (n=1,009) of the locations, and 78.7% (n=3,348) of the reports were signed by a single council member. Qualitative analysis of the reports showed that 64.5% (n=1,483) of the locations were under a central management and that 23.9% (n=549) of the implementing parties purchased food with their own funds. Most auctions were open ascending price auctions (32.7%, n=751) and only 4.9% (n=112) of the reports disclosed buying foods from family farms. The main council responsibilities are analyzing the expense reports (59.1%, n=1,359) and following menu development (36.5%, n=838). CONCLUSION: Execution of the different parts of the National School Food Program was evidenced by analyzing the School Food Council reports and annual synthetic statements, which characterized them as program-monitoring tools. The findings may help to support the strategies used for improving the quality of school food and strengthening the School Food Council.
School food; Council; Qualitative research; Food and nutrition programs and policies
