Evaluation of a Community Intervention for Food and Nutritional Education in Quilombola Communities of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: A Community Assessment with Quanti-Quali Approach

Abstract Objective To evaluate a community-based food education intervention aimed at improving dietary quality in Brazilian quilombola communities. Methods This non-randomized cluster community trial used a mixed-methods approach with census-like sampling in four communities in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, selected for their high prevalence of overweight and food insecurity. The self-declared household food provider was interviewed before and after the intervention, which consisted of six fortnightly nutrition education workshops (April–July 2015), open to all community members. Sociodemographic data were collected by a structured questionnaire, and dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall. Outcomes included consumption of table sugar, soft drinks and artificial juices, fruits, vegetables, and natural fruit juice. Foods were also classified as traditional or non-traditional based on focus groups and interviews with community leaders. Intervention effects were analyzed using Generalized Estimation Equations (α = 0.05, intention-to-treat). Qualitative data from focus groups were analyzed using NVivo and categorized by thematic similarity. Results A total of 178 and 156 individuals were assessed before and after the intervention, respectively. The percentage of energy from traditional foods increased in the intervention group, though not significantly ( p = 0.235). The proportion of vegetable consumption increased significantly ( p = 0.037). Sugar intake decreased in the intervention group, with a significant difference compared to the control at follow-up ( p = 0.043). Qualitative findings indicated increased appreciation and consumption of traditional and locally produced foods, along with greater awareness of the health risks of ultra-processed foods. Conclusion The intervention improved dietary quality in these communities, supporting its potential application in other quilombola and vulnerable populations.