Pnae in Viçosa, MG: fostering school family farming

Abstract

The Pnae (National School Feeding Program) is a Brazilian public policy that guarantees the provision of school meals to basic education students, promoting food and nutrition security while stimulating family farming. Although several studies analyze the program’s effectiveness, there is still limited research on its implementation at the municipal level, particularly in Viços, MG, where analyses regarding FNDE transfers, local producers’ participation, and the diversity of supplied products remain sparse. Given this context, this study investigates the implementation of Pnae in Viçosa between 2019 and 2022, examining the allocation of financial resources, farmers’ adherence, and the variety of food provided to schools, among other aspects. The adopted methodology combines a qualitative approach, documentary research, and descriptive statistical analysis. By complementing previous literature, this work expands the understanding of the program by incorporating a spatial distribution analysis of the beneficiary institutions and the challenges faced for adherence to Pnae. The results highlight its fundamental role in education and in strengthening family farming in the municipality. However, despite the significant participation of local producers, many are not yet integrated into the program, underscoring the need for public policies that encourage greater inclusion and broaden its impact within the municipal context.