title: Professional training in the context of food and nutrition security.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary care is an important area in which to confront situations of food and nutrition insecurity. To undertake action in this area, well-prepared professionals are necessary. Courses of health training are not yet, however, equipped to offer the necessary preparation. Aim To analyse the topics taught in nutrition graduation courses related to the abilities and competencies demanded by professional work in this area.
  
  
  METHODS
  The curricula of the nutrition courses offered in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil were analysed. Nutritionists and teachers were interviewed. The triangulation of the data obtained was undertaken by means of a qualitative approach taking the theory of social representations as the frame of reference.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The concepts necessary to act within the context of food and nutrition security are related to a humanistic approach, the unity of theory and practice, the nutritionist's role as educator, teamwork and reflection on public health.
authors.affiliation: 1Doctor,School of Public Health,University of São Paulo,São Paulo,Brasil.
authors.forename: Viviane L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.affiliation: 1Doctor,School of Public Health,University of São Paulo,São Paulo,Brasil.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cervato-Mancuso
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D003479:Curriculum; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care
keywords: curricula; food and nutrition security; higher education; nutritionist; primary health care