INCLUSIVE INITIATIVES: RETHINKING FOOD SUPPORT IN BRAZILIAN HIGHER EDUCATION DURING COVID-19

Abstract

The symbiotic relationship between education and food rights is enshrined in the Brazilian legal framework, as articulated in Article 208, Clause VII, of the Federal Constitution, mandating that education, among other facets, includes safeguarding students' access to nourishment (BRASIL, 1988). Fundamental necessities like having an adequate food supply are indispensable for engaging in any activity, particularly the pursuit of education in both primary and higher levels. Within higher education, notably in federal universities, a historical trajectory has positioned food security measures as a pivotal component of national student support, formalized through the National Student Assistance Program - PNAES (BRASIL, 2010).

It is crucial to emphasize that student assistance encompasses a spectrum of domains, encompassing accommodation, transportation, healthcare, digital inclusion, among others, in conjunction with food provisioning. Collectively, these dimensions establish a comprehensive framework for student welfare with intricate interconnections. However, this study, while recognizing the significance of other areas, specifically delves into institutional interventions pertaining to food, aiming to advance scholarly discourse and knowledge production in this domain.