Desafios para a consolidação da agricultura familiar no contexto do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar - PNAE no município de Uberlândia - MG

Abstract

The relationship between environment, human health, and food production underpins intersectoral policies such as the National School Feeding Program, which, aligned with the 2030 Agenda, strengthens food security and sovereignty by encouraging family farming, improving school meals, and promoting sustainable local development. Analysis at the municipal level is justified by the challenges and impacts observed in its implementation. The objective of this research was to understand the challenges faced by family farming within the context of the National School Feeding Program in the municipality of Uberlândia-MG between 2014 and 2024. The materials and methods consist of a descriptive, quantitative, documentary research study, which used publicly available data on the acquisition of food for school meals from family farming between 2014 and 2024. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Microsoft Excel. Although the results showed an increase in acquisitions from family farming for school meals in Uberlândia, from 14.30% (2014) to 41.86% (2024), demonstrating greater alignment with the guidelines of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), the challenges revealed discontinuity of some items on the menu and significant price variations, such as cabbage, whose accumulated inflation far exceeded the national average, indicating productive and supply vulnerabilities that may impact the regularity and cost of school meals. We conclude that the National School Feeding Program in Uberlândia has structured a consistent integration between family farming and school meals, but still requires greater institutional and technical robustness. Improving intersectoral coordination, implementing continuous monitoring mechanisms, and enhancing administrative processes are strategic actions to optimize the program's efficiency and expand its social benefits.