Slovakia
Every day we make decisions about what we eat, when we eat and with whom. And although it may seem obvious, these small decisions hold great power. They affect our health, energy and mood. World Food Day, which falls on October 16, reminds us of this. And Edenred is using this day to show that healthy food, exercise and balance can be part of a normal working day.
Although nutrition and wellbeing topics are popular today, the results show that for many people they remain an unattainable ideal – often for economic reasons.
According to the FOOD Barometer 2025, which was created based on the responses of more than 52 thousand employees and 1100 restaurants in 21 countries, up to 81% of people in the world would give up visiting restaurants as their first expense due to rising prices. The situation in Slovakia is no different, people feel the pressure of rising prices of food and services, which affects their eating habits.
"We see that healthy eating is becoming a luxury for many, even though it should be a given. That's why our job is to help people find a balance between what is tasty, healthy and affordable," says Lívia Bachratá, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred Slovakia.
The food allowance is a powerful tool
At Edenred, we have a long-standing commitment to improving access to healthy food through our FOOD program. It connects employees, restaurants and nutritionists, and as part of the Fighting Obesity through Offer and Demand (FOOD) initiative, we support balanced lunches during the workday.
This year's survey shows that 75% of employees are trying to eat healthier and an equally large proportion expect restaurants to offer healthier meals. However, 72% of people would eat even better if they had a higher budget for meals. This confirms that a meal benefit is not only a financial aid, but also a tool to support healthier eating and improve quality of life in the long term.
"Meal vouchers or meal cards are not just about food. They help create good habits, motivate people to have regular and nutritious lunches, and at the same time support local restaurants. So it has a dual effect - better health for people and a more stable business for gastronomy," added by L. Bachratá.
Slovakia compared to the world
In Slovakia, over a thousand employees and over a hundred restaurants participated in the FOOD Barometer survey. It showed that more than a third of Slovaks (35%) spend more than 40% of their monthly budget on food, which is one of the highest figures in Europe!
At the same time, three out of four Slovaks admit that they pay attention to what they eat and try to choose healthier alternatives. More and more restaurants are responding to this trend. Almost 80% of them said that they are including more fresh ingredients and vegetables in their menu. At the same time, approximately 60% of establishments claim that healthy dishes are more expensive to prepare.
"The data shows us that this trend is true throughout the developed world, including Slovakia. People want to eat better, but they need support from employers, restaurants, and the state. We see our place here because we can be helpful," L. Bachratá is convinced.
Wellbeing as a journey
In addition to the topic of healthy eating, Edenred has been dedicated to the overall wellbeing of employees for several years. Including our own. That is why this year we are participating in the World Food Day program with a seminar for our employees "Healthy diet and physical activity" led by Veronika Hanáková, ambassador of the FOOD project. The aim is to show how simple changes in diet and exercise can fundamentally affect energy, concentration and overall well-being during the working day.
In addition, Edenred is once again connecting its employees around the world through the Edenraid 2025 sports challenge. The goal is to walk, run or cycle 2,5 million kilometers together. Upon reaching this goal, Edenred will donate 50 euros to the Share The Meal application, which helps provide food to people in need within the framework of the UN World Food Programme.
“When movement, healthy food and solidarity come together, a truly meaningful combination is created. At Edenred, we believe that wellbeing is not about perfection, but about the small steps we take every day – from our lunch break to our walk after work,” concludes L. Bachratá.
More than just a symbol
World Food Day is a reminder that the responsibility for a healthier world lies with each of us – individuals, companies and communities. Edenred has long been connecting those who believe that quality food and exercise are the foundations of a happy life. Because when we eat well, we have more energy not only for ourselves, but also for others.
