[Conditional cash transfer programs and food and nutrition security].

This paper analyses the relationship between Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs and Food and Nutrition Security (FNS), based on a review of the literature. CCT programs spur outlays on food, particularly in dynamic markets, as well as investments in other goods affecting the nutritional wellbeing of families, including demands for healthcare and education. However, the impact on children's nutritional status and early childhood growth is not clear, as other factors also affect this process, such as: the availability of public services (healthcare; education; sanitation) and the costs of accessing them; duration of the programs; transfer amounts; family sizes and intra-family rules for allocating resources. The program implementation process also warrants analysis, as this may have positive or negative effects on values, social relationships and practices that may deepen poverty and undermine food and nutrition security. As it is vital to integrate CCT programs with other projects in order to ensure their impact on FNS, Brazil's National Food and Nutrition Security Council plays a strategic role through integrated policy planning in this field.