On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) removed Brazil from the U.N. Hunger map. Being on the Hunger Map means that most of the country’s population does not have regular access to enough food for a healthy life. Brazil was able to exit the hunger map due to Brazil’s government prioritizing poverty, stimulating job and income generation, supporting family farming, strengthening school feeding and creating access to healthy food.

Many plans, programs and initiatives were implemented to achieve Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map. These plans include:

• Food Supply National Plan, also known as “Food on the Plate.”
• Agroecology and Organic Production National Plan (PLANAPO).
• Arroz de gente (“Our Rice” Program).
• Renovation and Modernization of Conab Warehouses.
• Leasing of spaces at the São Paulo General Warehouse and Wholesale Company.
• Public notice for the modernization of Food Banks at wholesale markets.
• Strengthening territorial arrangements for the production and distribution of healthy foods.

The Food on the Plate and the PLANAPO Programs

The Food on the Plate,” and the PLANAPO plans were all created to ensure food on the table for all Brazilians. The programs also seek to minimize poverty by building a resilient and sustainable food production system that uplifts small-scale farmers, agriculture cooperatives and community-based associations. Central to this vision is a national commitment to ending hunger, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all, while promoting environmental health and local empowerment.

Rice Production and the Zero Hunger Strategy

Our Rice Program provides low-interest credit and technical support to small producers while supplying rice to solidarity kitchens and food-insecure populations, helping those in poverty. The renovation of the Conab warehouse increases grain intake capacity, improves food logistics and reduces spoilage. Meanwhile, the leasing of spaces enhances the distribution of fresh produce to urban areas. It stimulates economic activity and job creation through expanded vendor participation.

In parallel, the modernization of food banks, which is aligned with the national “Food on the Plate” plan, upgrades the infrastructure for food recovery and redistribution. This initiative helps redirect surplus food to vulnerable populations, improving efficiency and equity in the food system. These programs promote sustainability, reduce hunger and strengthen Brazil’s resilience against economic and environmental disruptions.

Brazil also implemented the zero hunger strategy, which allows access to adequate food, agricultural support, income-generating activities and social participation. These plans and programs allowed Brazil to leave the Hunger Map and helped many underserved communities.

Conclusion

Brazil’s removal from the Hunger Map marks a transformative milestone in its fight against poverty and food insecurity. The country has shown that systematic change is possible when policy meets community needs through strategies like sustainable agriculture, modernized infrastructure and inclusive social programs.

Initiatives like Food on the Plate, PLANAPO and Arroz de Gente improved food access, empowered small producers and revitalized local economies. Brazil’s success story offers a powerful model for other nations grappling with hunger, proving that hunger can be eradicated with political will, innovation and grassroots engagement.

– Karisma Polly

Karisma is based in Sunrise, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash