Abstract Objectives: to carry out a reflection in relation between food and nutrition along with child development. Methods: a bibliographic survey of Brazilian public policies on food and nutrition, followed by a descriptive-reflexive analysis about its nuances facing child development. Results: food and nutritional policies, although they do not bring the theme as the central axis of their actions, contemplating as an intermediate element dealing with the promotion of adequate and healthy food for the Brazilian population and the control and prevention of nutritional deficiencies, through food and nutritional education actions, national supplementation programs, addressed to the maternal and child population and the mandatory fortification of food. Conclusions: despite the emphasis on food and nutritional programs, it is imperative to draw attention to the necessary integration along with other areas related to child development promoting them entirety.