Fribourg Canton is bolstering its food system through a sustainability strategy focused on integrating social and ecological considerations into food production and distribution.
Agriculture and the food industry are key pillars of the Fribourg economy, even as ensuring access to healthy food is a major priority for the regional government. The canton is responding to challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty by evolving its food system, with a particular emphasis on reducing food waste throughout the supply chain.
A Food Bank Initiative
The creation of a food bank in the Canton of Fribourg has been supported, in part, by the Sustainable Development Strategy. This initiative addresses both economic and social needs within the region’s agricultural sector.
The food bank provides a new sales channel for local farmers to distribute produce that doesn’t meet supermarket standards, as well as products that may be nearing their expiration dates due to seasonality or overproduction. This helps minimize waste and maximize revenue for producers.
Simultaneously, the food bank serves as a redistribution platform, supplying essential goods to organizations supporting vulnerable populations within the canton. Previously, these organizations relied on variable donations to assemble food packages; now, they can directly order the specific products they need from the food bank, ensuring more targeted and nutritious support for those in need. The Fribourg food bank began operations in September 2023, and currently distributes approximately three tonnes of goods weekly to hundreds of individuals through member associations.
A Charter for Collective Catering
Promoting regional cuisine strengthens local production and processing businesses and contributes to a more climate-friendly food system. A charter for collective catering has been developed with the support of the Sustainable Development Strategy, through the collaboration of the Directorate of Institutions, Agriculture and Forests (DIAF), the Directorate of Territorial Development, Infrastructure, Mobility and Environment (DIME), and the Directorate of Health and Social Affairs (DSAS), alongside partners like Terroir Fribourg, Fourchette verte Fribourg, GastroFribourg, Grangeneuve and Beelong.
By signing this charter, state, para-public, and private institutions commit to prioritizing regional and seasonal Fribourg products, supporting socially responsible and environmentally sound production methods, and promoting health through balanced diets. Currently, 30 establishments have signed the charter, significantly contributing to shorter food supply chains in the Fribourg region and bolstering a more sustainable and resilient local economy.
Further Information
Implementation of the 2024 Cantonal Sustainable Development Strategy
Mid-term Report of the 2021-2026 Action Plan of the 2021-2031 Sustainable Development Strategy
