SCHOOL SNACKS AT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEVEL: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF PARENTS IN A SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF SAN LORENZO (2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition in early childhood and preschool is crucial for human development, as established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees the right to balanced nutrition. However, malnutrition manifests in two forms: undernutrition and increasing overweight, affecting one in ten children and raising the risk of noncommunicable chronic  diseases. Objective: To describe the knowledge and practices of parents regarding the school snack of their children in the
Initial Level through an evaluation at the España School in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. Methodology: A descriptive and cross-ectional study was conducted between February and April 2023, involving a sample of 28 parents or caregivers of children aged 3 to 5 years. Data collection was carried out using a structured survey consisting of 22 questions, focusing on knowledge and practices related to school snacks. The information was analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results: Findings revealed that 57%
of the snacks were ultraprocessed foods, while only 16% included fruits. Additionally, 83% of parents displayed
insufficient knowledge regarding the preparation of healthy snacks. These results indicate a significant disconnection between current dietary practices and nutritional recommendations. Conclusion: The research highlights the urgent need for educational interventions that empower parents and promote healthy eating habits. It is crucial for schools and families to collaborate in
promoting nutritional practices from an early age, and policies are needed to facilitate access to healthy foods. This study underscores the importance of addressing school nutrition as an integral part of child development, redirecting efforts towards preventing health issues such as obesity and malnutrition.