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Agricultural industry

Strengthening Family Farming and School Meals in Sergipe, Brazil

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The State Department of Education (Seed) in Sergipe, Brazil, is working to strengthen family farming and ensure healthier and more diverse school meals for students in the State Public School System. As part of this effort, the Department of School Feeding (DAE) held a meeting to map production and provide guidance on family farming's participation in the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) public call for proposals. The meeting aimed to create space for cooperatives and small producers to expand their presence in the PNAE, while also encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and promoting cultural and nutritional appreciation in school menus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) requires that at least 30% of resources be used to purchase foodstuffs from family farms, as stated in Resolution No. 6 of May 8, 2020, of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE).
  • The participation of family farming in school meals has increased significantly, with purchases in 2022 reaching approximately R$4 million and R$15 million in 2025, according to DAE director Lucileide Rodrigues.
  • The initiative allows for better planning of school menus due to regionalization, providing a seal of origin and quality for the food, as emphasized by State Secretary of Education Zezinho Sobral.
  • Strategic mapping is essential to ensure organization and connect producers with new opportunities, as highlighted by DAE director Lucileide Rodrigues.
  • The meeting aimed to introduce school menu designers to agricultural diversity, ensuring a more varied menu for students, as emphasized by family farmer Elida Rosa Vieira.
  • The State Department of Education is committed to strengthening the local economy, generating income, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through family farming.
  • Family farming's participation in school meals not only has a social impact, but also provides a seal of origin and quality for the food, highlighting the importance of local production.
  • The initiative promotes cultural and nutritional appreciation in school menus, showcasing the diversity of local agricultural products.

Statistics:

  • At least 30% of resources allocated to the PNAE must be used to purchase foodstuffs from family farms, as per Resolution No. 6 of May 8, 2020, of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE).
  • Purchases by DAE from family farms reached approximately R$4 million in 2022 and R$15 million in 2025.
  • 2026 Public Call for Proposals allows for more efficient planning of supplies to schools in the state public education system, in addition to creating space for cooperatives and small producers to expand their presence in the PNAE.

Sources:

  • Resolution No. 6 of May 8, 2020, of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE)
  • State Department of Education (Seed) meeting minutes
  • Interview with DAE director Lucileide Rodrigues
  • Interview with family farmer Elida Rosa Vieira

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