Parents' perception of the implementation of a strategy for the fortification of child food with micronutrients

Objective: To assess parents' perception of the implementation of the strategy for the fortification of child food with micronutrient powders (NutriSUS). Methods: Qualitative descriptive and exploratory study conducted from August to September 2015 with 11 mothers of children enrolled in preschool programs in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and then underwent content analysis from which two thematic categories emerged: "Importance of NutriSUS" and "Schools as healthpromoting environments". Results: Parents showed to be aware of the importance/benefits of NutriSUS given the increase in child's appetite and provision of a nutritionally enriched diet. They also had a positive perception of the strategy of partnership between the school and the health center and of the school as a health-promoting environment. Conclusion: Parents' reports indicated that they understood the objective of the fortification strategy and the importance of a healthy diet in the first years of life. This knowledge contributes to improve the support for the growth and development of Brazilian children given that parents are important agents for the effectiveness of the strategy.