National School Feeding Program: a healthy public policy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Policy
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• The Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) mandates allocating at least 30% of National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE) resources to procure food from family farming.
• Healthy Public Policies (HPPs) integrate diverse health determinants into policy formulation.
• PNAE's focus on local family farming aligns with HPP principles by promoting organic, local produce and healthy student diets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) as a Healthy Public Policy (HPP).
• To explore how PNAE contributes to health promotion and shapes healthy eating habits.
• To propose mechanisms for strengthening PNAE by integrating actions with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis of the Brazilian Law No 11,947/2009.
• Examination of PNAE's role in health promotion and food security.
• Literature review on Healthy Public Policies and intersectoral collaboration.

Main Results:

• PNAE effectively functions as a Healthy Public Policy by prioritizing healthy diets and supporting local family agriculture.
• The program contributes significantly to health promotion and establishes healthy eating habits among students.
• Intersectoral collaboration within PNAE enhances policy effectiveness and societal returns beyond health benefits.

Conclusions:

• The PNAE is a successful model of a Healthy Public Policy, demonstrating positive impacts on student health and local economies.
• Integrating PNAE with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) offers opportunities for further strengthening and expanding its reach.
• Strengthening PNAE through complementary actions can maximize public health outcomes and societal welfare.