Analysis of Medellín’s Food Policy: Understanding Through the Tensions and Perceptions of the Actors Involved in Its Implementation

Abstract

Introduction. In Colombia, food policies have been shaped by neoliberalism and market logic, leading to their implementation under assistance-oriented models guided by a top-down approach, which, in turn, constructs a passive recipient subject. Objective. To analyze the tensions of Medellín’s food policy in relation to implementation gaps from the perception of the actors involved in 2023. Methods. The analysis was conducted from a hermeneutical perspective and based on the integrationist approach to public policy analysis. Methods included documentary review of governmental texts and constructivist grounded theory; techniques comprised content analysis and semi-structured interviews with participants involved in the policy. Results. Among the most relevant findings, a lack of comprehensive perspective in service delivery and a predominance of food supplementation were identified in the implementation of Medellín’s food policy. This results in an approach centered on food security and social risk management, which distorts the human rights framework and its universal scope. Although this diverges from the principles established during policy formulation, it aligns with governmental interests focused on meeting goals through quantitative indicators. Conclusions. The participants’ voices highlight the need to incorporate alternative approaches into policy implementation to reduce implementation gaps and to construct recommendation narratives oriented toward effective implementation.