São Paulo Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Food Security Program

The City of São Paulo has been officially recognized by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM for implementing the world’s largest municipal food security program. On December 3, 2025, this milestone was celebrated, marking São Paulo as the first city globally to attain this distinction. The recognition highlights the city’s commitment to ensuring dignified and continuous access to food for its residents.

A thorough audit by Guinness confirmed the distribution of an impressive 933.8 metric tons of food within a single day, underscoring the scale and efficiency of the program. The city currently distributes over 3 million meals daily, a significant achievement in addressing food insecurity.

During the ceremony held in Paraisópolis, a low-income community in southern São Paulo, Mayor Ricardo Nunes received the award from Guinness adjudicator Camila Borenstain. Mayor Nunes highlighted the importance of this accomplishment, stating, “This achievement means a lot. Only those who have experienced hunger know what I’m talking about; only those who have seen someone going hungry understand the importance of a robust food program.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Food Security

The food security network in São Paulo encompasses a variety of initiatives aimed at different demographics. The main programs contributing to this record include the school meal initiative, which provides up to five meals a day to over 1 million students in the municipal school system. Additionally, 325,000 children in early childhood education receive milk at home each month.

To combat social vulnerability, the city distributes 421,000 staple food baskets monthly through programs such as Cestas Básicas (Staple Food Baskets) and Cidade Solidária (Solidary City). Other critical components of the food security network include Bom Prato Paulistano (Good São Paulo Food), which serves 7,000 affordable meals each day, and the Rede Cozinha Escola (School Kitchen Network), providing 26,000 meals daily, along with professional training opportunities.

The city also operates the Rede Cozinha Cidadã (Citizen Kitchen Network), delivering 15,000 meals per day in underprivileged areas. These initiatives are supplemented by Armazéns Solidários (Solidary Warehouses), which offer discounts of up to 50% on essential food items for those registered in the CadÚnico program, and the Banco de Alimentos (Food Bank), which donates 55 metric tons of food products monthly to social institutions.

Empowering Communities Through Food Security

The record-setting achievement reflects not only the logistical capabilities of São Paulo’s food distribution but also its broader social mission. Food security is recognized as a fundamental human right by the World Health Organization, and the city’s initiatives aim to elevate the quality of life for its residents, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

The verification of this record was made possible through a large-scale mobilization on “Food Security D Day,” held on November 25. The event involved over 5,600 polling sites and the participation of around 1,500 volunteers, illustrating the community’s commitment to addressing hunger.

As São Paulo moves forward, the recognition from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS serves as both a validation of its efforts and a call to action for other cities worldwide. The comprehensive food security program positions São Paulo as a model for urban areas aiming to enhance food access and combat hunger effectively.