School lunch of first through fourth grade municipal school children in S. Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

A population of 380 municipal school children belonging to the first through the fourth grades was studied so as to analyse the nutritional value of the school lunch and its role as a substitutive for or as a complement to breakfast. 1. The average calory intake was 15,50% of the daily requirements; most frequently it was between 15 and 20%. 2. The average protein intake was 28,64% of the daily requirements; most frequently it was between 25 and 30%. 3. The average intake of fats or lipids was 10,36 grammes; most frequently it was between 10 and 20 grammes. 4. The percentual composition of the school meal showed the harmonic distribution of the nutrients which were more adequately interrelated than at breakfast.