HEALTH PROMOTION AND FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN JOÃO PESSOA, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Health promotion and food and nutrition education (FNE) are part of Primary Health Care (PHC) and matter even more in territories marked by social inequalities. Objective: To describe health promotion and FNE actions developed in an interdisciplinary, intersectoral and interprofessional manner in a Family Health Unit in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, integrated into the SUS Teaching Health Network. Experience report: Between 2020 and 2024, PHC professionals, faculty members, students, community health workers, schools and social facilities in the territory worked on three fronts: the “Boas Práticas” Group, the community kitchen and the School Health Program. The activities included conversation circles, Theatre of the Oppressed, cooking and sustainability workshops, community gardens, playful activities and nutritional assessment. The “Boas Práticas” Group gathered an average of 20 users per meeting. Conclusion: The experience suggests that actions planned with the community, grounded in the territory and in teaching-service-community integration, can broaden user participation, strengthen bonds and improve the promotion of adequate and healthy eating in PHC.