Switzerland: inclusive cooking events
Encouraging social interaction and wellbeing through shared meals
Cuisine sans frontières uses cooking to improve the quality of life and promote social interaction in areas of tension. In Zurich, monthly cooking events bring together asylum seekers and local residents to prepare meals collectively and foster a sense of community.
Fostering positive connections between diverse groups
In 2020, Givaudan volunteers in Kemptthal, Switzerland, established an initial contact with the organisation to support cooking events involving asylum seekers. Due to Covid‑19, however, activities were delayed and only began in 2022.
Through this initiative, participants come together during “cooking afternoons” to prepare nutritious meals using fresh ingredients. The setting encourages informal exchanges and helps create a welcoming environment, particularly for asylum seekers, whose interactions in Switzerland are often primarily within formal administrative contexts.
Our support also contributes to improving the kitchen facilities and equipment used during these events, helping ensure that activities can be carried out in safe and suitable conditions.
Givaudan employees volunteer their time and assistance
Givaudan volunteers actively participate in the events, helping to organise and prepare meals under the guidance of a professional chef, sometimes serving up to 500 people.
They also engage younger participants through creative activities, often linked to flavours and sensory experiences. In addition, practical support is provided through recipe cards, enabling participants to recreate simple, affordable, and balanced meals at home.
"Being part of this initiative, has been a humbling experience. I have learnt first-hand the human stories, and see the real people behind the headlines, while actively helping to improve the experiences of asylum seekers. I am grateful for this opportunity."
Anita, Givaudan volunteer
