From the babassu coconut, a species of palm tree, a highly nutritious oil can be extracted, used mainly in food and medicine. In the Maria Alves settlement in Mato Grosso, a group of women develops breads enriched with the mesocarp of the fruit to sell to municipal schools in the region. Can you imagine how delicious that is? This and other strong and rich experiences of agro-extractive communities with babassu strengthen public initiatives such as the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), introducing healthy foods produced with respect for the environment into school diets. It's Brazil's rich biodiversity in everyday meals!
The women of the Maria Alves settlement received support from our independent fund for the promotion of Productive Eco-social Landscapes (PPP-ECOS), with funding from the Amazon Fund and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Want to understand more about PNAE and the importance of family farming in schools? Check out the debate panel on the topic held by ISPN and partners within Terra Madre Brasil 2020, click here.