#Japan #community support #Food Waste #Setagaya #Kodomo Furusatobin

Innovative Food Bank Empowering Children

Kodomo Furusatobin, operated by Nessu Inc., has made headlines after receiving the Consumer Agency Minister Award for its remarkable efforts in reducing food waste and combating child poverty. Established in Sawada, Setagaya, Tokyo, the organization aims to close the opportunity gap among children by leveraging the hometown tax donation system to deliver local food products directly to children in need.

Despite rampant child poverty affecting approximately one in nine children in Japan and a staggering 5 million tons of food waste produced annually, effective mechanisms to redirect surplus food to underprivileged children remain underdeveloped. Nessu Inc. is spearheading innovative solutions to tackle both issues simultaneously, and its Kodomo Furusatobin initiative has garnered significant recognition recently.

Addressing Food Waste and Child Poverty Together

Kodomo Furusatobin operates as a modern food bank funded by the hometown tax system, which collaborates with local farmers, fishermen, food producers, and cooperatives to distribute regional specialties to children's cafeterias and families facing challenges.

This unique system allows donors to receive regional specialty items without any change in return rates while contributing positively to children's needs, thus making giving back more accessible and engaging. The initiative actively utilizes irregular vegetables, underutilized fish, and other food items that may otherwise go to waste, effectively reducing food waste while directly supporting children's nutritional needs.

Since launching in June 2022 in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kodomo Furusatobin has successfully facilitated approximately 90 tons of support across six municipalities and aims to expand its operations to 10–20 regions by 2026, targeting an annual reduction of over 1,000 tons in food waste along with enhanced child support.

Success Stories in Food Waste Reduction

One shining example of the program’s success can be found in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, where the local initiative focuses on integrating underutilized fish into children's meals. Tsushima's bountiful waters, known for their diverse fish species, also suffer from waste through the unutilized mating of destructive species that contribute to the devastation of precious seaweed forests.

In a joint effort, the local project not only helps recycle these excess fish into nutritious meals for children's kitchens but also supports the environmental regeneration of sea meadows. Eliminating waste while providing a crucial protein source, children have the opportunity to learn about sustainable fishing practices and the benefits of utilizing all available food resources.

Upcoming Portal for Donations

Nessu Inc. aims to launch a dedicated portal on October 14, 2025, which will allow donors to select specific recipients for their donations, thus enhancing the connection between benefactors and the children they support. This initiative aligns with recent regulatory changes that will prohibit offering points in return for donations, ensuring that sponsors are motivated by genuine goodwill and community involvement.

Recognition and Plans Ahead

Receiving the Food Loss Reduction Promotion Award is a significant milestone for Kodomo Furusatobin. Its founder, Yuki Kido, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that this award will further inspire governmental collaborations and engage a broader array of local partners and contributors towards their food loss reduction and child support goals.

The commitment to foster a society where every child has equal access to opportunities continues to drive their mission forward, underscoring the essential nature of community support in overcoming critical social challenges like food waste and child poverty.

For more information: Kodomo Furusatobin | Consumer Agency Announcement