This paper aims to draw the historical framework of the Nutritional Care Program for People with Special Dietary Needs (PAN), the advancements and challenges in public policy for people with special dietary needs in the city of Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil. Historically, PAN was created to replace the former Enteral Diets and Special Milks Program and to organize nutritional care in the city, so as to offer better nutritional care to these people, based on the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS). In this perspective, we attempted to draw the historical framework of PAN in the management of public policies within the SUS, and at such a landmark, the impact in management, professionals and users involved in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]