Project brings pork to school lunches in seven municipalities of Mato Grosso.

Between September 16th and 19th, the Mato Grosso Swine Breeders Association (Acrismat), an affiliate of the Brazilian Swine Breeders Association (ABCS), toured seven municipalities in Mato Grosso with the project "Pork in School Meals". The cities visited were Alto Taquari, Alto Araguaia, Alto Garças, Pedra Preta, Araguainha, Itiquira, and Ponte Branca. The objective of the initiative was to gain firsthand knowledge of the reality of schools regarding the provision of pork in student meals and, in the future, to train the professionals responsible for school meals. This involved presenting a lecture on "Myths and Truths" about pork, as well as a gastronomic workshop using ingredients found in school kitchens, combined with different cuts of pork, to create attractive, balanced, and nutritious dishes for children at an affordable cost.

According to Acrismat's manager, Karina Queiroz, the reception was positive: “All the municipalities showed great interest in the project and now we will wait to put together a schedule of courses. Unfortunately, we found that, of all these municipalities, three still do not offer pork in school meals, either for religious reasons or pure prejudice. Others offer it, but sporadically. Even so, we are excited because we were very well received and the nutritionists showed interest in implementing the initiative,” she highlighted.

To strengthen the dialogue, Acrismat used materials from ABCS that address the nutrition, safety, and benefits of pork in childhood and the learning process, always in accordance with the guidelines of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). The supporting material is available to the public in the booklet "Pork in School Feeding," which can be accessed [here/at this link]. at this link.

The president of ABCS, Marcelo Lopes, congratulated the state branch on the initiative: “We created this material with the support of the National Fund for the Development of Swine Farming (FNDS), to enhance the work developed by our affiliates. We are happy to see it being put into practice. Pork has enormous potential to supply schools throughout Brazil, benefiting students and also local producers,” he concluded.