In the 2027 budget, there will be more resources for public catering, but quality does not only depend on money.
Hungary's Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced increased funding for public catering in the 2027 budget, focusing on hospital and school meals. The Hugonnai Vilma program will allocate 10 billion HUF for hospital catering improvements, while the Jeney Lajos School Development Program aims to enhance school meal quality. Despite the funding, the public catering sector faces challenges, including negative media coverage and strict regulations. The sector is largely dependent on local governments, which can outsource services or manage them internally. High VAT rates on public catering contrast sharply with lower rates in neighboring countries. Experts emphasize the need for reforms, including healthier meal options and improved infrastructure, to enhance service quality and public satisfaction.