Brazilian’s National School Food Program (PNAE) – Learnings and Limits for Inclusive and Participatory School Food Policies

School food programs (SFPs) are recognized as drivers of nutrition and food security, in the Global North and South (Filippini et al., 2018). SFPs can promote social justice by ensuring costfree access to fresh and healthy food for all students. They can also promote local economies by involving small-scale farmers in school food supply and strengthening food literacy (Chaves et al., 2023; Powel & Wittmann, 2017). Especially in countries of the Global South, SFPs are of vital importance for students of lower income classes. However, one of the major challenges is encouraging student participation and involving local farmers in the school food supply (Braun et al., 2018). As shown in several studies, the governance model is of decisive importance, whether it is under direct public governance, externalized to private companies or community-based (Hoinle & Parot, 2025). This study focuses on the participatory mechanisms of school food policies, using the Brazilian National School Food program PNAE (Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar) as a case study. The study addresses the following research question: What are strategies and limits for promoting participation in school food policies at different levels (school, community, region)? Brazil is a leading examples of a universal SFP which provides free meals to all students in public schools. The PNAE was introduced in the 1950s and has been further developed in close collaboration with the Council for Food and Nutritional Security CONSEA (Conselho Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional). According to the National Law 11947 of 2009, 30% of the public food supply comes from local family farming, thereby promoting social and sustainable procurement (Nogueira & Barone, 2022). The PNAE is funded by the National Fund for Development and Education and is controlled by the School Feeding Councils that include parents, nutritionists and local stakeholders. The paper and presentation are based on a one month field research in Rio de Janeiro, a city characterized by high social inequalities. The focus is on the ways the participation of students and parents is encouraged (school level), the involvement of the broader community and municipality (community level) and the participation of local farmers’ association (regional level). Interviews were conducted with members of the CONSEA in Rio de Janeiro, school administration, parent associations, local farmer groups and school food policy experts. Through a comparative literature analysis with selected school food models in the Global South (e.g., Colombia, South Africa,..), this study identifies key factors and limits for designing participatory and inclusive SFPs. In the conclusion, I will highlight some of the learnings that are insightful for school food governance models in other regions, and that could inspire policies in the Global North!