In Switzerland, taste education is integrated into a wider food education approach.
It started with a pilot in the Valais canton in 2003. Following a successful first stage, the Senso5 Foundation was set up in 2012, as a non-profit with the goal of promoting healthier relationships with food. Senso5 is also developing a programme tailored to the elderly.
Evaluation and development of the umami program
In collaboration with HEPVS and BFH, a formative evaluation of the umami program was conducted between March and May 2025 with students, teachers, and stakeholders. It resulted in eight recommendations aimed at clarifying the objectives, strengthening the program’s credibility, and consolidating its integration into the curriculum for sustainable implementation across Switzerland.
The drafting and standardisation of the French and German language sequences are continuing with the HEPVS, the FHNW, and subject-matter experts from the BFH-HAFL. Teacher training, developed in collaboration with the HEPVS, resulted in four sessions in 2025.
Collaboration with Senso5 representatives in Geneva and Fribourg continues, gradually consolidating the program’s presence beyond Valais.
Other activities
Interventions were conducted in several institutions and settings: upper secondary schools in Sion and St-Maurice, primary schools in Sion and Chalais, and with the FemmeTISCHE association.
As part of the PAC (Program for Action and Care), Senso5 led a workshop during the cantonal day, contributed to the production of a video, and participated in a podcast on the topic of adolescent gastronomy. A communication campaign on school snacks was developed in partnership with the Valais Association for Dental Prophylaxis, School Health, and Educational Outreach at the HEPVS (University of Teacher Education of Valais and Switzerland), resulting in the creation of a brochure by the Valais Association for Dental Prophylaxis. In addition, 150 children participated in the School Rally during the Taste Festival in Sion, with the theme of the tomato, co-organized by the Senso5 Foundation.
