National School Feeding Program (PNAE): historical, political and institutional landmarks that have influenced the policy in its nearly 70 years of existence

Abstract

This is a narrative review that aims to trace the historical trajectory, explore various contexts, and evaluate the strategies that have influenced the genesis and evolution of Brazil's National School Feeding Program (PNAE) over its nearly 70 years of existence. The study also emphasizes the program's importance in promoting adequate and healthy nutrition, as well as overall health within the school environment. Five cross-cutting sections were defined as methodological analysis criteria to delineate the periods of each phase: the first from 1955 to 1964; the second from 1965 to 1994; the third from 1995 to 2008; the fourth from 2009 to 2019; and the fifth from 2020 to 2022. The bibliographic search utilized the Virtual Health Library, Pubmed, and Scielo databases, along with official documents found on the FNDE and federal government websites. The study revealed significant evolution in the PNAE across almost seven decades, marking a transition from a welfare-oriented program to an internationally recognized public policy focused on promoting healthy eating habits. The provision of services to all students enrolled in the country's public school system underscores the policy's role in ensuring food security and upholding the human right to adequate and healthy nourishment, even in times of calamity and health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.