Since 2018, Heist-op-den-Berg has been a Fair Municipality, committed to supporting fair trade products from the Global South and sustainable, local products from short supply chains. The aim is to ensure fair prices for farmers and producers and to promote products made with respect for people and the planet, contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
As a Fair Municipality, the town promotes fair trade and short supply chains locally, in collaboration with volunteers and a network of shops, schools, associations, hospitality businesses, and residents. By choosing fair trade products and local sustainable alternatives, the demand and supply of trade that respects people and the environment are strengthened. Each year in October, this is highlighted during the Week of Fair Trade.
The 2026 campaign, 'Sweet Revolution & Heist bakt Fair', runs from October 7 to 18. This campaign demonstrates that sustainable enjoyment is easy by combining fair trade products like chocolate, coffee, and bananas with local and organic ingredients for delicious desserts.
In Heist-op-den-Berg, various activities are organized. Primary school children participate in a coloring contest, with their artwork displayed on windows during the Week of Fair Trade. Some schools also create large chalk drawings at the school gate to make the Fair Municipality colorful.
Students from the Instituut Maria Govaerts prepare desserts with fair trade, local, and organic ingredients during their cooking classes, discovering new flavors and learning why conscious choices make a difference for producers and the environment.
Everyone is encouraged to join the 'Sweet Revolution' by sharing favorite recipes with fair trade, local, or organic ingredients via Sweet Revolution, inspiring others to make conscious and flavorful choices. Heist-op-den-Berg aims to show that conscious choices can be accessible, tasty, and unifying.
More information about Fair Municipalities in Flanders can be found at www.fairegemeente.be.
