Live broadcast
Background
Food policies affect consumer and industry decisions as they impact the availability and affordability of food at all stages of the value chain, from primary production to final consumption. These must be treated as a fundamental component within the development of countries, regulating to favor people’s access to adequate food. To move towards this goal, it is important to introduce support policies for the agri-food and fishing sector (McGill, et al. 2015; FAO, IFAD, WHO, WFP and UNICEF. 2022).
Short marketing chains, understood as forms of commerce based on the sale with little or no intermediation of fresh or seasonal products between producers and consumers, have proven to favor geographical proximity, promoting family farming, reducing the links in the supply chain. nutritional value and generating bonds of trust, positively impacting the quality of people’s diet. (Martínez, S. et al. 2021).
Public purchases have taken an important role in the development agenda, due to the potential impact not only on family farming and local artisanal fishing through the generation of markets and distribution networks, but also on nutrition, education and health. of the population. School feeding programs, for example, are widely recognized as key instruments for realizing the right to adequate food, the right to education and the right to health of children and adolescents, as well as strengthening the local economy. , artisanal fishing and family farming, especially when considering short marketing chains (Hawkes et al. 2016; HLPE. 2017).
In this context, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National School Aid and Scholarship Board (JUNAEB) of Chile, stand out in the collaboration framework called “Contribution to the improvement of school feeding in Chile”, that the promotion of local purchases with cultural relevance in the feeding pattern for beneficiary children and adolescents is a fundamental component for the improvement of the School Feeding Program (PAE Chile).
Thus, as part of the actions of the collaboration agreement, it is proposed to hold the international seminar “Feeding the future: local purchases for healthy schools”, in order to identify and share lessons learned and options for improvement in local purchases in the field. of school feeding at the local level and in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Goals
Exchange of public purchasing experiences with the participation of family farming and artisanal fishing in School Feeding Programs in Chile and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Identify opportunities and solutions to barriers to the inclusion of local purchases from family farming and artisanal fishing in the region’s School Feeding Programs.
Propose intersectoral coordination and governance mechanisms that facilitate the incorporation of family farming and artisanal fishing in local purchases of the region’s School Feeding Programs.
Participants
- FAO representatives
- Representatives of the Government of Chile
- Representatives of school feeding programs in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Sustainable School Food Network (RAES)
- Parliamentarians
- Family farmers and fishermen
- Private sector
- Academia
- civil society
**What are the key success factors for integrating short marketing chains into school feeding programs, and how can these initiatives contribute to broader community development goals beyond improved nutrition?**
## Feeding the Future: A Conversation on Local Purchases for Healthy Schools
**Host:** Welcome, everyone, to today’s discussion, “Feeding the Future: Local Purchases for Healthy Schools.” We’re gathered here to explore the critical intersection of food policies, school feeding programs, and the vital role of local farmers and fishermen in building healthier, more sustainable food systems. We have two distinguished guests joining us today to shed light on these important issues.
**Guest 1:** [Name and Affiliation, e.g., Representative from FAO]
**Guest 2:** [Name and Affiliation, e.g., Representative from JUNAEB, Chile]
**Host:** Thank you both for joining us. Let’s start our conversation by diving deeper into the significance of food policies in shaping access to affordable and nutritious food.
**Theme 1: Food Policies and their Impact**
* **Host (to Guest 1):** The article highlights the importance of food policies in ensuring people have access to adequate food. Could you elaborate on the types of policies that have proven effective in supporting this goal, particularly in the context of family farming and artisanal fishing?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** From your perspective, what are some of the unique challenges faced by developing countries in implementing effective food policies, and how can international organizations like FAO contribute to overcoming these hurdles?
**Theme 2: The Power of Short Marketing Chains**
* **Host (to Guest 2):** The article mentions short marketing chains as a way to promote fresh, seasonal produce and support local producers. Can you share some examples of successful short marketing chain initiatives integrated into school feeding programs in Chile?
* **Host (to Guest 1):** What are some of the broader benefits of short marketing chains beyond simply providing fresh food? How can these initiatives contribute to sustainable development goals such as poverty reduction and community empowerment?
**Theme 3: Public Purchases and School Feeding Programs**
* **Host (to Guest 1):** The article emphasizes the potential of public purchases to stimulate local economies and improve nutrition. How can school feeding programs be leveraged as a tool for social change and economic development, especially in marginalized communities?
* **Host (to Guest 2):** What are some of the key lessons learned from the collaboration between FAO and JUNAEB in Chile? What advice would you give to other countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region looking to implement similar programs?
**Theme 4: Building Intersectoral Collaboration**
* **Host (to both Guests):** The article calls for intersectoral coordination to facilitate the incorporation of family farming and artisanal fishing into school feeding programs. What are some concrete steps that governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector can take to foster this collaboration?
* **Host (to both Guests):** Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of school feeding programs? How can we ensure that these programs continue to evolve and meet the needs of children and communities?
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. This conversation highlights the critical importance of prioritizing local food systems, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering collaboration to build a healthier and more equitable future for all.
