This city-run food processing model will transform unsold but edible fruits and vegetables from wholesale markets and producers into semi-finished or ready meals for public catering.

Challenge Overview

The competition, launched by Mike Bloomberg in October 2024 at the CityLab conference in Mexico City, selected 24 winners from 20 countries, including Barcelona, Cape Town, Medellín, Rio de Janeiro, and Toronto, out of over 630 applicants.

Budapest advanced from 50 finalists, earning $50,000 and expert input at the July 2025 Ideas Camp in Bogotá. The program has supported 38 cities across five rounds, scaling solutions to benefit 100 million people in 337 cities.

Project Goals and Impact

Hungary's food prices rose 81% in six years—the EU's highest—making healthy school and senior meals harder to afford, while 135,000 tons of fresh produce go unsold yearly at city markets.

The center will digitally link producers, processors, and caterers to cut waste, improve meal quality for 16,000+ students and 2,000 adults across nearly 100 kitchens (serving 1.7 million portions), and support 20 senior homes. Mayor Gergely Karácsony emphasized solving this environmental and social issue sustainably.

Implementation Timeline

Over two years, the plant will process surplus into value-added products, creating a cost-effective supply chain that stabilizes markets for farmers and traders. Bloomberg provides expertise to ensure scalability and efficiency.

Relevance for Expats

Expats in Budapest will gain from cheaper, healthier community meals amid rising costs, plus potential jobs in food processing, logistics, or digital platforms. It enhances the city's eco-friendly appeal, complementing vibrant markets like the Great Market Hall, and supports family life near schools in districts like VII or XIII. More details at mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org.

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