A Decade Against Food Waste: Nébih Celebrates 10 Years with Free Family Event at Széllkapu Park

The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) is marking the tenth anniversary of its flagship public awareness initiative by organizing the Maradék nélkül afternoon, a free outdoor family gathering held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 13:00 to 18:00 at Millenáris-Széllkapu Park in Budapest. The anniversary highlights significant progress in Hungary: between 2016 and 2025, annual household food waste per capita dropped by more than one-third across the country.

The Global and European Food Waste Challenge

Food waste represents one of the most pressing economic, environmental, and ethical crises worldwide. According to United Nations (UN) data, approximately 1.05 billion tonnes of food was wasted globally in 2022, with households directly generating 60% of this total volume.

Within the European Union, food waste reached 59.2 million tonnes in the same year, over half of which occurred at the consumer household stage. The disposal of edible food simultaneously squanders all resources invested in its production, including agricultural land, fresh water, energy, transport fuel, and human labor. To address this structural challenge, both the United Nations and the European Union have established mandatory food waste reduction targets for member states to meet by 2030.

Measurable Milestones in Hungary: Household Waste Reduced by One-Third

To address household waste generation systematically, Nébih launched the Maradék nélkül (Wasteless) programme in 2016. The project focuses on citizen education and behavioral change. Significantly, the initiative was among the first in Europe to establish regular, methodologically rigorous direct measurement of household food waste.

The data gathered over the past decade demonstrates continuous progress: between 2016 and 2025, Hungarian annual household food waste decreased by more than one-third, dropping from 33.1 kg down to 20.8 kg per person.

Educational and outreach milestones achieved by the programme include:

• Nearly 50,000 students participated directly in interactive Maradék nélkül school sessions.

• Over 500,000 educational publications and guides were distributed to Hungarian schools.

• Adult consumers have been supported through public workshops, educational webinars, and tailored digital materials.

• The programme’s online channels engage more than 50,000 regular followers on social media.

The initiative operates with financial co-funding from the European Union’s LIFE programme and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture.

Interactive Programs at the Maradék nélkül afternoon

To celebrate its ten-year milestone, the Maradék nélkül afternoon brings together key organizations and initiatives active across Hungary’s sustainable food and circular economy sectors. Visitors at Millenáris-Széllkapu Park can engage with dedicated interactive booths hosted by:

• Beeco,

• The Hungarian Red Cross (Magyar Vöröskereszt),

• MiReHu Nonprofit Kft.,

• Munch,

• The Szupermenza Program,

• Nébih Educational Program,

• and the Nébih Gardening Program (Kertművelő program).

Each participating organization provides educational games, sustainability challenges, and practical guidance on smart food shopping, storage, and portion management. The venue also offers green park spaces where visitors can picnic throughout the afternoon.

Stamp Challenges, Hourly Raffles, and Fridzserika’s Public Debut

Attendees at the park can participate in an interactive circuit featuring challenges and rewards:

• Stamp Collection and Gift: Visitors who complete challenges at the partner booths collect stamps. Collecting six stamps qualifies the participant for a surprise gift at the information desk.

• Hourly Raffle Draws: Completed stamp cards serve as entries into the event raffle. Each submitted ticket is valid for one drawing, with live prize draws taking place every hour at half past the hour (:30) at the Maradék nélkül tent.

• Skill and Craft Activities: Specially crafted wooden games test balance, precision, and food-related knowledge. Creative workshops allow visitors to craft custom Maradék nélkül badges, apply temporary washable tattoos, and participate in sustainability quizzes.

• Life-Sized Mascot Appearance: Fridzserika, the friendly refrigerator-robot mascot of the campaign, makes her first-ever life-sized public appearance to meet children and families.

Outdoor Fence Exhibition and Event Practicalities

Complementing the park activities, a dedicated street exhibition is hosted on the fence of Nébih’s headquarters in District II, just a short walk from Széllkapu Park. The display features selected creative contest entries and artwork from the past ten years of the campaign, depicting the root causes of food waste alongside everyday preventive solutions.

Event summary:

• Date & Time: Friday, September 11, 2026, 13:00–18:00

• Location: Millenáris-Széllkapu Park, District II, Budapest, Hungary

• Admission: Completely free; no prior registration required.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the Maradék nélkül afternoon take place?

The event takes place on Friday, September 11, 2026, between 13:00 and 18:00 at Millenáris-Széllkapu Park in District II, Budapest.

Is there an admission fee or registration required?

No, entry is completely free of charge, and no advance registration is required.

What measurable results has Nébih’s Maradék nélkül programme achieved since 2016?

Between 2016 and 2025, annual household food waste per person in Hungary fell by more than one-third, from 33.1 kg to 20.8 kg. Additionally, nearly 50,000 school pupils took part in direct educational sessions, and over 500,000 educational publications reached Hungarian classrooms.

What activities are available for visitors at the event?

Visitors can explore interactive partner booths, play wooden skill games, make custom badges, try washable tattoos, take food sustainability quizzes, collect stamps for prizes and hourly raffle draws, and meet the life-sized mascot Fridzserika.

Where is the accompanying street exhibition located?

The outdoor exhibition is displayed on the fence of the Nébih facility in District II, just a short walk from Széllkapu Park.

Official references and primary sources:

• Official State Announcement: Nébih Official Portal

• Event details and program background: Maradék nélkül Official Website