Food and nutritional security and environmental conditions in a rural settlement of Santa Catarina/Seguranca alimentar e nutricional e as condicoes do ambiente em assentamento rural de Santa Catarina

In Brazil, the production of basic food was historically associated to family agriculture. The rural settlements that have sought out to produce food for family self-sustenance are included in this context. The aim of this study was to know the food security situation, the food production and the aspects related to environmental conditions, food production and storage in a rural settlement in the municipality of Abelardo Luz (SC). The settled families constituted the population of this study. Three tools were used for the interviews: Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale; a questionnaire about sociodemographic data; a guide for observations of hygienic and sanitary aspects. The results of this study show that all farmers produce food for their daily consumption and commercialize the surplus for family subsistence. Products are stored in cooperatives of the region and the products remaining on the farm are placed in wooden boxes. The garbage is burnt or separated to be collected and recycled in most residences. The food security situation shows a prevalence of 86% of mild food insecurity. The remaining families present a situation of food security. This indicator is related to the low economic conditions of the families, despite the food production for self-consumption. Specialized technical guidelines for qualified production are necessary to avoid food contamination, both in the production phase and in the storage, observing the disposal of waste, preservation of sources and water springs for human consumption.