The city has made strides in strengthening the relationship between producers and consumers. A crucial part of the program involves farmers and organic markets. By 2008, the city had opened over 49 conventional and 7 markets, benefitting over 97 producers from around the area.1 Belo Horizonte also realized that to eliminate chronic hunger and food insecurity, it would be necessary for the populace to be well-educated and informed on not only the source of their food, but the nutritional value as well. Every single week, the city compiles a price list of 45 foods and common items found in supermarkets around the city. The information is then posted on bus stops and printed on newspapers, making it easier for folks to see who might not have regular internet access.2 This educational strategy informs viewers on the best prices and deals they can afford, encouraging competition among both local and commercial produce enterprises.
Continuing with this legacy, Belo Horizonte has worked to familiarize agro-ecological methods in urban environments. Focusing on the sustainability push, the primary aim was to grow fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants in spaces that are visible to the public.3 By 2008, thee city had over 44 community gardens, managing to distribute over 1,600 seedlings. Educational workshops helped to fill in the gap, providing locals with the empowerment that they needed to to put the food supply chain into their own hands.
1“Belo Horizonte’s Food Security Policy .” Futurepolicy.org, Future Policy, 3 Dec. 2018, www.futurepolicy.org/food-and-water/belo-horizontes-food-security-policy/. Accessed 3 May 2024.
2Makri, Anita. “How Belo Horizonte’s Bid to Tackle Hunger Inspired Other Cities.” Nature Index, Springer Nature, 28 Sept. 2021, www.nature.com/nature-index/news/how-belo-horizontes-bid-tackle-hunger-inspired-other-cities. Accessed 4 May 2024.
3Maja Göpel. Celebrating the Belo Horizonte Food Security Programme. World Future Council, 2010, www.worldfuturecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/WFC_2009_Future_Policy_Award.pdf. Accessed 3 May 2024.