Public consultation in the construction of the District Food and Nutrition Policy

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the content of the District Food and Nutrition Policy’s public consultation,  present the participants’ profiles, and report the  systematization of the analysis performed. This is a  documentary, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The initial  sample consisted of 115 inputs, with 59 exclusions  and 56 retained for the content analysis described by  Bardin and multivariate analysis by frequency (p<0.05) in the IRaMuTeQ software. The guiding axes defined  for the content analysis were Food and Nutritional  Insecurity, Equity, School Environment, Importance of  Primary Care, Responsibility for Policy Assurance, and  Food and Nutrients. The overall profile of the  participants was heterogeneous concerning the  activity segment, with the highest representation  being education and research institutions (38%). The  inputs highlighted the concern of civil society in  assuring food and nutrition security for the  population of the Federal District. We observed that  the diverse inputs associated with systematic analysis  could support the elaboration of public policies more  consistent with reality and strengthen its  implementation, making it more tangible. Thus,  society’s participation in political decisions must be  encouraged and expanded, as it is essential for  democratization and equity.