This study consists of a historical analysis of the programmes aimed at fighting hunger in Brazil, in the period from 1930 to 2003. As methodological criteria for this analysis three transverse sections were established, corresponding to specific contexts in the history of the social policy on food and nutrition in Brazil: 1930-1963; 1964-1984 and 1985-2003. The survey attempts to identify and describe the food and nutrition programmes, showing the main discursive categories in each section studied. An analysis of the programmes shows important changes, above all, since the mid-eighties. As from this point, the policy for fighting hunger in the country passed from authoritarian planning to partnership; from centralized to decentralized administration; from universal to specific benefits; from State control to social control; from distribution of food to transference of income in cash; from public financing to public and private partnerships between the civilian society and the State.
hunger; social policy; public policy; nutrition programmes and policies