The meeting brought together representatives from various countries to exchange experiences on how social protection programs can strengthen food security and boost the economies of their territories.

ICLEI South America participated in the international webinar “Social Protection and Food Security Programs: municipal strategies to strengthen local food systems,” held virtually on June 22nd. The meeting brought together representatives from cities in Brazil and South Africa in a dialogue about the role of local governments in addressing food insecurity.

Promoted within the framework of LUPPA (Urban Laboratory of Public Food Policies), the meeting was organized by Comida do Amanhã, co-organized by ICLEI Brazil, in partnership with ICLEI Africa and the AfriFOODlinks project. The activity promoted the exchange of experiences between local governments and international partners on innovative solutions to expand access to adequate food and, at the same time, strengthen trade and production in the territories.

What topics were discussed?

The debate stemmed from a common observation in cities: although income transfers and direct food distribution are fundamental, they do not always engage in a structured dialogue with local food systems.

In this context, instruments such as social currencies and territorial mechanisms for the circulation of resources become relevant, as they direct purchasing power towards local producers and establishments, stimulate short marketing circuits, and keep resources circulating within the territory.

During the event, the city of Santiago (RS) presented the experience of the Pila Verde program, an initiative that strengthens the local economy by connecting rural producers, markets, and consumers, expanding the circulation of products, the supply of food, and access to agricultural inputs in the territory.

Johannesburg has already shared its strategy for combating food insecurity through the implementation of a food bank, a key initiative to address supply challenges in a densely populated municipality.

The exchange reinforced how different local realities can develop innovative and adaptable responses to food insecurity, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and the leading role of cities in building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.