The Foundation for Children and Families with Food Intolerances and Food Allergies began its operations in 2022. It was founded by József Barta, Melinda Szabó-Barta and Dr Anita Barta. The Chair of the Board of Trustees is Dr Anita Barta, and the other members are Renáta Kiss and Judit Sára.
All members work for different companies within the Barta Group.
Anita came up with the idea and brought it to life by opening Cafe Spirit, a café in Siófok offering food and drinks free from a wide range of allergens. Following the receipt of the Széchenyi Award, a close partnership was established with the Count Széchenyi Family Foundation. After a successful joint event at the end of 2021, we decided to continue this charitable work in the future. The event aimed to provide food packages to children with food intolerances and food allergies in Siófok, with the support of the Mayor of Siófok. In 2023, the Foundation received the Széchenyi Enterprise of the Year 2023 – Social Responsibility award.
Two of our members are personally affected by food allergies and food intolerances, which is why helping those in similar situations is so close to their hearts. Special dietary products are very expensive, placing a significant financial burden on parents and families. Food intolerances and food allergies encompass various conditions whose symptoms can largely be managed by avoiding the relevant allergens. Our goal is to make it possible to identify food-related problems at an early age in Hungary, helping families across the country. When allergies are recognised and properly managed early, their impact can often be significantly reduced by adulthood and, in many cases, the condition may even resolve.
We advocate for a reduction in the value added tax (VAT) on special dietary products by working towards legislative amendments with the involvement of the relevant government ministries. Reducing VAT on these foods could increase sales and potentially reduce the need for state-funded medical support by alleviating symptoms of associated conditions through an allergen-free diet.
We also aim to achieve the following:
Make EpiPens mandatory in restaurants and educational institutions.
Introduce mandatory allergy screening for children attending nurseries and kindergartens.
Provide access to psychological counselling within educational institutions for every child affected by food allergies and their family.
Include education about food allergies and healthy, appropriate nutrition in compulsory primary school class-teacher lessons from an early age.
Provide financial assistance and special dietary products to families in need who must follow a restricted diet.
The Foundation’s primary objective is to collect food donations and financial resources for children and families affected by food allergies and intolerances, attract as many supporters as possible, and identify funding opportunities to support its mission. Our activities extend across Hungary, and we provide assistance wherever the need is greatest.
Our motto: “Live free, live fully!”
Address: 254/D Fő Street, 8600 Siófok, Hungary
Email: email
Website: www.etelallergiascsaladokert.hu
Phone: +36 20 437 3315
Facebook: www.facebook.com/etelallergiascsaladokert
