Food systems and food and nutrition security in cities: contemporary challenges and public responses

Abstract

This article analyzes the contemporary challenges of the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) agenda in Brazil, with emphasis on food systems, urbanization, the climate crisis, the expansion of obesogenic food environments, and the coexistence of hunger, food insecurity, and excess weight. It examines the main federal responses developed between 2023 and 2026, highlighting the Feed Cities Strategy, the New Brazilian Basic Food Basket, the Reference Framework on Food Systems and Climate, and the Intersectoral Strategy for Obesity Prevention. It argues that these initiatives broaden the scope of FNS and strengthen a more systemic, territorial, and intersectoral approach to food systems. It also contends, however, that limitations remain regarding coordination, funding, federal governance, and territorial implementation.