Implementing a national urban food policy in Brazil: early advances and remaining gaps in municipal food and nutrition security actions

Despite growing interest in urban food systems, evidence on the implementation of urban food policies remains scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to analyze changes observed in municipal food and nutrition security actions during the first year of implementation of the Alimenta Cidades Strategy, identifying the main advances achieved and the remaining implementation gaps among participating municipalities. A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted using data from the official monitoring process of the Alimenta Cidades Strategy. The analysis included all 60 municipalities participating in the first implementation cycle (2024–2026). Data were collected through structured interviews with municipal focal points at baseline (2024–2025) and after 12 months of implementation (2025–2026). Relative frequencies were calculated for each indicator at both time points, and changes over time were estimated as absolute differences in percentage points (pp). The largest increases were found in public food supply and commercialization facilities (+ 38.3 pp), partnerships between food assistance services and the social assistance network (+ 31.7 pp), active Municipal Food and Nutrition Security Councils (+ 23.3 pp), active Intersectoral Chambers for Food and Nutrition Security (+ 23.3 pp), family farming procurement centers (+ 21.7 pp), food insecurity monitoring within social assistance services (+ 21.7 pp), and solidarity kitchens (+ 20.0 pp). Positive changes were also observed in community and institutional gardens, food and nutrition education actions, urban agriculture initiatives, and climate-related planning. Despite these advances, several indicators remained implemented in fewer than half of municipalities after 12 months, including subsidized food retail initiatives (11.7%), food insecurity monitoring (21.7%), Municipal Food and Nutrition Security Plans (45.0%), climate adaptation or mitigation plans (48.3%), and the integration of food and nutrition security actions into climate plans (38.3%). During the first year of implementation of the Alimenta Cidades Strategy, advances were observed in municipal food and nutrition security actions and governance structures. These findings highlight the potential role of national coordination and support in strengthening local food policies. However, persistent gaps indicate that the consolidation of local food systems policies requires sustained financing, institutional continuity, and long-term political commitment.