What is the food and nutrition security situation of Santa Catarina municipalities? Results of a multidimensional assessment

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the food and nutrition security situation of all municipalities of a Brazilian state. Methods The investigation was conducted using an assessment matrix developed through consensus workshops. The matrix is composed of 7 dimensions, 11 subdimensions, 27 indicators, and 59 items. Data were collected at the municipal level from different public databases using the state of Santa Catarina as the case study basis. Municipalities were classified according to their food and nutrition security situation as poor, fair, good, or excellent. Results Of the 295 Santa Catarina municipalities, 65.4% were rated as poor or fair in terms of food and nutrition security. The best-rated dimension was Continuing education, research, and training in food and nutrition security, followed by Agroecological production and sustainable food supply and Universal access to water and sanitation. The dimensions with the worst results were Food and nutrition at all levels of healthcare, Universal access to adequate food, and Assessment and monitoring. The dimension Traditional peoples and communities could not be evaluated because data were not available at the municipal level. Conclusion This study evidenced the need for a careful examination of the reality of Santa Catarina municipalities, as it made it possible to qualitatively characterize public policies within the context of food and nutrition security. The findings may contribute to the debate on evaluation and assist managers in strengthening food and nutrition security policies in Brazilian municipalities.