Food is not just what we can see on the plate. It is also the result of public decisions, management choices and the way cities organize their food systems. It is from this perspective that Instituto Comida do Amanhã and ICLEI América do Sul announce the launch of “Cadernos LUPPA: Aprendizados do 4º LAB” (LUPPA Notebooks: Lessons from the 4th LAB), a publication that brings together concrete experiences of Brazilian municipalities that are making progress in building fairer, healthier and more sustainable urban food policies.
The material systematizes lessons from the fourth edition of the LUPPA program, which across all its editions has reached 54 cities in 18 states, spread across the country’s five regions, forming a diverse network that connects small municipalities, mid-sized cities and large state capitals.
Yes, food is public policy
Although it is often treated as an individual choice, food is deeply influenced by public policy. It is municipal decisions that define what reaches schools, how street markets and markets operate, support for family farming, strategies to fight hunger, the management of organic waste, and the integration of food, health, climate and local development.
“Cadernos LUPPA” shows that when the food agenda is integrated into urban policy, it becomes a powerful tool for social transformation. In the 4th edition of the LAB, participating municipalities identified as priority themes actions such as community gardens, school gardens and gardens in public facilities, food and nutrition education, food banks, public procurement from family farming, promotion of local production, the fight against food waste and support for breastfeeding.
Good practices that inspire other cities
The publication also presents experiences already under way in different regions of the country. Examples include the strengthening of the Indigenous PAA (Food Acquisition Program) in Arame (MA), expanding traditional production and access to food for vulnerable communities; the Vale Verde project in Francisco Morato (SP), which promotes the exchange of recyclable materials for fresh food; and the expansion of purchases from family farming for school meals in Benevides (PA), combined with the expansion of institutional gardens.
Other highlights include the food bank set up in Santa Luzia (MG), the circular economy policy with a digital social currency in Santiago (RS), and actions supporting the agroecological transition and community gardens in Tefé (AM). These initiatives show how different territorial realities can build their own solutions, adapted to their local needs but connected by common goals.
Collective construction strengthens the food agenda
One of LUPPA’s pillars is exchange between cities. During the 4th edition, mentoring sessions and workshops brought together municipalities at different stages of implementing public food policies. Topics such as intersectoral governance, the drafting of Municipal Food and Nutrition Security Plans, strengthening food banks, school meals and public procurement were at the center of the discussions.
Cadernos LUPPA: Aprendizados do 4º LAB was developed as an open tool for learning and inspiration. The content is available for public consultation and free sharing, with the aim of supporting public officials, civil society organizations, researchers and anyone interested in strengthening urban food policies in Brazil.
👉 The full material can be accessed here.