President Michel Temer welcomes a group of school dinner ladies during the cerimony in which he unveiled more funds for school food.
This year, the government is to release an extra $148.78 million for food under the National School Food Program (PNAE). The amount is to increase by up to 20% students' individual ration, and is estimated to benefit over 40 million students.
While announcing Wednesday (Feb. 8) the adjustment authorized for states and municipalities by the federal government, President Michel Temer said he will argue for a new increase in the future. “[The change] is key for those who benefit from the school lunch,” he said. This is the first adjustment in seven years—the previous expansion had taken place in 2010. The funds will be paid as of February.
For this year, the total budget earmarked for the program totals $1.32 billion, $428.73 million of which directed at the purchase of foods from family agriculture.
Complement
The PNAE was launched in 1955. Served by the initiative are all philanthropic and public school students across the country as well as students from community institutions partnered with the government.
Under the plan, the government sends resources to states and municipalities according to students' grades. The amount is based on students' individual daily meals. The largest increase given this year benefited elementary, middle and high school students, who had their daily value increased by 20%. This groups accounts for 71% of the people taking part in the program. The remaining students were given a 7% rise.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira