Wasteless Programme in Hungary
About this good practice
In 2016, the programme was launched in response to high levels of food waste in Hungary. At that time, 68 kg of food waste per capita was generated in households, one third of which could have been prevented. The programme is essentially an awareness-raising and educational tool, combating food waste through the following specific activities: 1) measuring food waste in households, 2) raising awareness among children, 3) educating households with useful and easily accessible practical ideas, tips and tools, 4) educating actors in the food chain, organising joint actions. The main stakeholders involved in the programme are food chain operators, educational institutions and non-profit organisations.
Since the start of the programme, the fifth household survey is now underway, measuring the amount of food waste generated. Educational institutions and food chain operators are open to participating in the programme and have started using the free educational and awareness-raising materials. Practical advice not only for organisations but also for individuals is being developed, with a focus on waste prevention. How to be more conscious, how to use up leftovers, how to make our children's lunches, a wealth of advice and collected good practice is available on the programme's website. A calculator is also available for households where everyone can measure their own values.
Resources needed
The programme is financed by national and European Union funds. The responsible organisation, the National Food Chain Safety Office, provides the human resources. Volunteers and NGOs have also joined the programme to contribute to the work through various awareness-raising events.
Evidence of success
The main indicator of success of the programme is the reduction of food waste per capita in Hungary. While the figure was 68 kg in 2016, the organisations measured 59 kg in 2022, and of this amount, the avoidable portion, i.e. what was actually wasted, was reduced by 27%.
Another factor in its success is that the number of organisations taking part in the programme continues to grow.
Potential for learning or transfer
What makes this good practice adaptable to others is its complexity. In addition to awareness-raising programmes and actions, the programme will continuously measure results and monitor progress in reducing food waste. This will allow the areas of intervention to be continually updated.
Another important factor is the complexity of the range of stakeholders involved. The whole food chain is involved in the programme and key awareness-raising organisations, such as NGOs and educational institutions, have also embraced the objectives of the programme.
Finally, it is essential that the communication of the programme is such that it addresses young people, parents and older people at the same time, with separate messages for each organisation, so that the different actors involved co-exist.