Celebrating the power of innovation and solidarity on World Food Day

More than 50 tonnes of donated food helping vulnerable Hungarian families. Twenty-one years of partnership between civil society, government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). A culinary journey across food cultures and rural areas of Europe and Central Asia. And a series of events organized by academia, international organizations, and the private sector. This is how Hungary marks World Food Day in 2026.

Facilitated by FAO, the countrywide campaign under the global theme ‘Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.’ demonstrates Hungary’s commitment to innovation for sustainable agrifood systems.

World Food Day is observed globally on 16 October each year to raise awareness of hunger, healthy diets and solutions for building more sustainable and equitable agrifood systems. Hungary holds a special place in the history of World Food Day, as the observance was established as an official United Nations international day following a Hungarian initiative.

“World Food Day reminds us that access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food should never be taken for granted. Every meal depends on people’s work and knowledge, and on the natural resources that sustain food production. By working together to prevent food waste and support families in need, we can make better use of those resources and help more people eat well,” said Nabil Gangi, Deputy Regional Representative of FAO for Europe and Central Asia, at the World Food Day press event on 16 October.

This year’s theme highlights the need for scientific research, education, entrepreneurship, community action and local knowledge passed down through generations to address the food challenges of the future.

Partnering for a good cause

Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all requires new ideas, collaboration and responsible decisions across the entire food chain, from farm to table.

With this in mind, on the morning of 16 October, twenty-one trucks carrying food donations travelled through Budapest to highlight a simple yet important message: quality food is valuable and should reach everyone. As part of an initiative organized by FAO and the Hungarian Food Bank Association, more than 10 000 food aid packages will be distributed to people in need across Hungary. The convoy was welcomed by Szabolcs Bóna, Minister of Agriculture and Food, during a stop at Heroes’ Square.

"We must take action today to ensure that food remains available tomorrow. It is our responsibility to adapt to a changing environment. We must respond to new challenges; due to climate change, food self-sufficiency – even in Europe – will be at risk without innovation. This year’s drought is a clear example of this," said Szabolcs Bóna, Hungary’s Minister for Agriculture and Food.

This year’s World Food Day food donation convoy transported a total of 55 tonnes of food products. With this, the total number of food packages distributed since 2005 has surpassed 181 000.

“Innovation is not only about technology. Equally important are grassroots initiatives that help reduce food waste, support people facing hardship and ensure that food reaches people’s tables in good condition. The food donation convoy demonstrates the strength of such partnerships. We thank our food industry and retail partners for supporting food rescue not only on World Food Day, but throughout the year,” said Balázs Cseh, President of the Hungarian Food Bank Association. 

Neurobiologist and nutrition expert Máté Szász also participated in the Heroes’ Square press event. He stressed that the future of nutrition is shaped not only in laboratories and research centres but also through the everyday choices and collective actions that help people care for each other and for the planet.

Markets of the future

Drawing on her experience in hospitality and food innovation, Zsofia Bajor led a World Food Day visit to Budapest’s Central Market Hall, bringing together high-level representatives of FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Municipality of Budapest for a dialogue with local producers and vendors on the challenges facing food and agriculture sector. 

The visit created space for informal conversations connecting broader challenges facing agrifood systems with the everyday experiences of those who produce, sell and buy food. Discussions covered food safety, healthy diets, sustainable food production, food loss and waste, and innovation in agrifood systems. Participants also took part in demonstrations showcasing innovative and sustainable food production practices, sampled local and seasonal products, and interacted with the public. 

The event highlighted the important role of markets as places where producers and consumers meet, traditional knowledge is shared, and new approaches to more sustainable food systems can take shape.

Traditions that point to the future

In the heart of Budapest, the open-air photo exhibition ‘Food that connects us’ highlights the diversity of foods and culinary traditions across Europe and Central Asia, complemented by short stories explaining how communities are preserving traditional food heritage while embracing innovation for a more sustainable future.

The exhibition invites locals and tourists alike to appreciate the richness of this gastronomic heritage and to reflect on the shared responsibility to protect it, nurture it and ensure that it continues to nourish generations to come. In some cases, forward-thinking solutions can only take root in the soil of traditional knowledge.

Throughout October, universities, research institutions, civil society organizations and businesses are organizing activities across Hungary, including scientific discussions, educational workshops and public events exploring food science, sustainability, nutrition and innovation. The programme extends beyond Budapest to other Hungarian cities, engaging students, researchers, professionals and the wider public.

For more information about the World Food Day campaign in Hungary, visit this webpage. 

© FAO/Danilov Bielikov