Implementation of the Brazilian School Feeding Program in a pandemic context in the municipality of Vicosa/MG: implications for public management and family farming

Research Objective: To analyze the implementation of public purchases via the Brazilian School Feeding Program (PNAE), from the perspective of public management and family farming, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the municipality of Vicosa (Minas Gerais Brazil).Theoretical Framework: Implementation of public policies and the role of street-level bureaucrats; state-of-the-art studies on the implementation of PNAE during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: Qualitative research, having as method the case study, as a technique of data collection interviews, and as a technique of data analysis the content analysis. Results: The decision to maintain public purchases of family farming and distributing food kits to parents/guardians of students was the primary strategy adopted. Both street-level bureaucrats and family farmers have faced difficulties in implementing the PNAE due to the pandemic; However, they outlined plans to continue making public purchases of family farming. Originality: The research understands the phenomenon from the bias of different public actors and family farming, in addition to empirically understanding the implementation of the PNAE in an atypical pandemic context. Theoretical and practical contributions: The theoretical contributions revolve around empirical analysis applying the literature of public policy implementation and street-level bureaucrats, considering the interface between school feeding and family farming in the pandemic circumstances. The practical contributions show suggestions for municipal public management.