From the Amazon to the guidelines: the dilemmas between quilombola foods and the recommendations of the dietary guidelines for the Brazilian population

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the food
habit of quilombola families in Pará, following
the guidelines of the Food Guide for the Brazilian
Population published by the Brazilian Health
Ministry in 2014. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted in the communities of Santo
Antônio (Concórdia do Pará, in the Northeast)
and São João (Salvaterra, on Marajó Island) under
protocol CEP 060/07. Analysis of consumption
and preferences were made according to the guide.
The results show a high consumption of sweetened
coffee, beans, rice and flour, and a low participation
of vegetables and fruits in the interviewees’ diet.
Foods such as bread, cow’s milk, pasta, margarine,
and salt crackers are common means to diversify
the foods consumed by the group. As protein
sources, the most notable were red meat – wild or
not –, fish, beef jerky, chicken and chicken eggs.
Some contradictions of the Guide are discussed
in relation to such communities. Despite the
advancements promoted by the guide, we conclude
that following the guidelines for an adequate and
healthy food habit in quilombola groups in the
Amazon region presents many challenges. Food
guides are important for the health and nutrition
of the population; however, they need to be
combined with other types of interventions that
respect the country’s cultural diversity.