Resumo

BERNAL R., Jennifer  e  LORENZANA A., Paulina. CARACTERÍSTICAS SOCIOECONÓMICAS Y ALIMENTARIAS EN HOGARES DE NIÑOS Y MADRES CUIDADORAS DE GUARDERÍAS DE UNA ZONA DE BAJOS RECURSOS EN CARACAS, VENEZUELA. INCI [online]. 2001, vol.26, n.12, pp.584-590. ISSN 0378-1844.

This paper describes the socioeconomic and food characteristics of the homes of 93 children and 25 caretakers in 9 childcare centers in an underprivileged community in Caracas. Information on income, income spent on food and social characteristics (modified Graffar method) were gathered. Food adquisition was estimated using a validated food-record-method. Greater use of the child-care facilities by poor compared to very poor children was observed. Food availability in these centers contribute an appreciable amount (69%) of energy and protein (142%), but does not cover the program’s goal of 85% of children’s energy requirements. This points to the need for exploring alternative ways of reaching this goal. The program should be structured to reach very poor households more significantly, considering the positive impact of the program on the child´s food security and indirectly on that of the households.

Palavras-chave : Guarderías Infantiles; Disponibilidad Alimentaria; Disponibilidad Energética; Multihogares de Cuidado Diario.