“UFSCar” Index of Effectiveness applied to the Food Purchase Program for food and nutritional safety of farming families in the hinterland of São Paulo state

The theoretical framework—neo-institutionalism—was used to discuss the public policies for food safety, and create an analysis based on effort, reciprocity, and confidence in the construction of networks through the FPP. The level of food (in)security was evaluated by the UFSCar Index of Food Safety for family farmers. Data show that 73% of farmers who regularly access the FPP have moderate or high rates of FNS, while 93% of those who do not access the program have a moderate or low FNS index.

This shows that despite institutional efforts, food unsafety is still present and must continue to be addressed in the public policy agenda.