Resumo

MATTOS, Flávio de Freitas et al. Healthy Schools: eating, in the context of self-care within a school environment, as a strategy towards community empowerment. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2011, vol.47, suppl.2, pp. 55-59. ISSN 1516-0939.

The Healthy Schools Project has been implemented in schools in the Pampulha district of the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, under the conceptual frame of Health Promoting Schools developed by the World Health Organization. The present study reports on the development of strategies geared toward community empowerment, within the school environment, using nutritional self-care as its main approach. The development of the action took place in three stages: (1) insertion and integration of researchers, (2) community diagnosis, and (3) the proposition and execution of actions. Two years were necessary for the execution of this project. The insertion and integration of researchers occurred according to the action-research method, making it possible for the school community to diagnose healthy eating as a topic worthy of further research. The executed action included the creation of a group to conduct weekly surveys on the prices of healthy foods in several bakeries, markets, and grocery stores within the neighborhood. Its core aim was to stimulate competition, reduce prices, and facilitate the acquisition of nutritional food. The school proved to be an appropriate place for community mobilization. The topic of eating, while part of self-care, was pertinent in helping the community to deepen their knowledge concerning their own reality and reflect on their attitudes. The construction of empowerment is related to the methodological process of stimulating and facilitating action. There is a need to train health professionals in the use of this type of approach, which in turn facilitates people's participation in the process.

Palavras-chave : Feeding.; Schools.; Health promotion..