Donations of vegetables and fruit by the Mesa Brasil SESC Program in Amazonas

Abstract

Food banks have contributing to the reduction of hunger in the most vulnerable segments of the population. In this study, the objective was to analyze the flow of collections of vegetables and fruits in the food bank of the Mesa Brasil SESC Program in the state of Amazonas, from 2016 to 2020. Data were collected from the statistical records of the Mesa Brasil SESC System. In general, the quantity of vegetables collected was always greater than that of fruits, resulting in total amounts of 4,226 and 2,598 tons, respectively. Collections of vegetables and fruits came from 35 donors, on average. The National Supply Company was the main donor, contributing with 83.1% of the total collection, on average. Donations benefited 205 social entities and 39,533 people, on average. In the year 2020, it was estimated that the net quantity of 44.8 kg of vegetables and fruits, received per beneficiary, could meet the needs of a person for 112 days, considering the daily intake of 400 g of vegetables and fruits per person. In view of this, conclude that the Mesa Brasil SESC Program, in Amazonas, acts in the food supplementation of people assisted by social entities, through the supply of vegetables and fruits.