The Cēsis Municipality, which actively promotes the Gauja National Park Bioregion and sustainable lifestyle initiatives, is launching a public engagement campaign this October — #CĒSISNEIZMET (“Cēsis doesn’t throw away”) and #CĒSISDALĀS (“Cēsis shares”). The aim of the campaign is to reduce edible food waste, strengthen community ties, and find local solutions to global challenges.
This initiative calls attention to the value of resources invested in food production, encouraging people to make it a daily habit not to throw away food, but instead to share or receive it. It reinforces community responsibility and solidarity — sharing is both an act of care for others and a step toward sustainable resource use.
The call to avoid food waste aligns with the principles set out in the Goodwill Memorandum for the creation of the Gauja National Park Bioregion — mindful resource use, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
In this effort, Cēsis Municipality follows global best practices, where similar movements are already active worldwide — such as the Food Recovery Network in the United States, Too Good To Go, and Community Fridge initiatives across Europe, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
Responsible action – a step toward a resource-conscious community
“This campaign is the starting point for encouraging the community to share surplus food and to normalize the idea that sharing or receiving food is not related to one’s financial situation. Everyone experiences moments when perfectly good food suddenly becomes surplus — and sharing is a way to show care both for resources and for others. It’s an opportunity to live more responsibly while bringing joy to someone else, building a community that cares, participates, and shares. Although the campaign is primarily aimed at residents, we also actively invite catering businesses to get involved,” says Lāsma Ozola, Head of the Zero-Waste Community of Cēsis Municipality.
Digital community – real help
Today, social movements and community initiatives grow fastest in the digital space — social networks not only make it easier to reach a wider audience but also simplify information sharing and participation. As part of the campaign, two new digital platforms have been created — the Facebook group “Share Food in Cēsis Municipality” and a WhatsApp group of the same name. These will serve as spaces where residents of Cēsis and the surrounding area can share surplus food — a cake too big to finish alone, extra garden produce, or items left over before going on a trip. In such situations, food can become valuable to someone else instead of ending up as waste.
Not everyone uses social media daily, but the essence of the initiative is simple — if you see someone in need of support, you can be the bridge and share on their behalf. This, too, strengthens the community: I helped you, you’ll help someone else.
During the campaign, the following activities are planned:
sharing practical tips on how to prevent edible food from ending up as waste;
digital stories featuring Cēsis residents who practice food sharing in their everyday lives;
collaboration with students from the Vidzeme Technology and Design Technical School to create and promote a section with helpful advice;
involvement of the public catering sector in the initiative by sharing still-edible food.
Sharing gives value not only to food but also to the community
“Cēsis has always been bold in initiating and implementing new ideas. This idea undoubtedly has a future, as it not only inspires people to do good but also teaches that a culture of sharing is not just an act of human kindness — it is a practical investment in the planet’s future. Sharing gives value not only to food but also to relationships, and that is what makes this idea so meaningful for Cēsis — because our greatest value is our people,” says Inese Suija-Markova, Deputy Chair of Cēsis Municipality.
Cēsis Municipality encourages other municipalities across Latvia to get actively involved by creating similar platforms within their own communities.
Join the sharing community:
Facebook group: “Share Food in Cēsis Municipality”
WhatsApp: “Share Food in Cēsis Municipality”
All information about the campaign: Cesis.lv
Media contact:
Lāsma Ozola, Head of the Zero-Waste Community of Cēsis Municipality
Tel. +371 26447400
Email: lasma.ozola@cesunovads.lv
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