In 2025, Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), through its Wasteless programme, launched The Bites of Stories: Wasteless Tales – its first-ever story writing competition. After the success of previous drawing contests, this new initiative shifted the focus to creative writing, encouraging young people to explore the issue of food waste through storytelling and to show how we can be more conscious about our food choices.
The competition invited entries from three age groups – primary, upper and high school students – asking them to write creative and educational stories about food waste and its prevention. The submission period was open from 7 April to 1 June 2025. A diverse range of stories was received, from charming, simple fables to humorous and complex narratives.
The call attracted huge attention: nearly 130 stories were submitted from all over the country. A professional jury evaluated the stories based on originality, language, the use of fairy tale elements, and how well they addressed the topic of food waste. The best ones were shared on Wasteless programme’s Facebook page, where the public could vote for their favourites
Winners in each age group received vouchers for bookstores or toy storesand the most active school was also recognised. In addition to the prizes, the jury-selected stories will be published in a special storybook focusing on food waste. The closing event of the competition, the award ceremony and the launch of the storybook will be organised by the Nébih’s Wasteless programme in September 2025. The event will provide an opportunity to meet the authors, teachers, family members and jury members in person.
Through this competition, the Wasteless programme has demonstrated that creative education can be a powerful tool in the fight against food waste. It is a model initiative that not only educates but also empowers the youngest generations to be part of the sustainability conversation. After all, sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the youngest.