Mobile Supermarket Tokushimaru Wins Minister's Award for Contributions to Food Accessibility
Mobile Supermarket Tokushimaru: A Lifeline for Seniors
The mobile supermarket initiative Tokushimaru, a consolidated subsidiary of Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd., has recently received the prestigious Minister's Award at the inaugural 'Food and Agriculture Connect Award' for its outstanding contributions in the realm of food accessibility. Headquartered in Tokushima, Japan, Tokushimaru operates approximately 1,200 mobile units across the nation, primarily serving elderly customers who face difficulties with shopping.
Launched to address the increasing number of 'shopping refugees,' primarily seniors, Tokushimaru provides not only essential groceries but also daily necessities, offering around 400 different items on its mobile vehicles. This service has successfully reached around 180,000 customers, ensuring that those unable to travel to grocery stores have access to what they need right at their doorsteps.
The Food and Agriculture Connect Award
Established as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' 'Nippon Food Shift,' the Food and Agriculture Connect Award recognizes innovative and proactive efforts to ensure sustainable food supply chains. Under this initiative, both public and private sectors collaborate to address the pressing challenges faced by Japan's food systems.
This award not only acknowledges the significance of Tokushimaru's operations but also highlights its role as a model for businesses seeking to tackle societal issues while ensuring profitability. According to the evaluation committee, the project stands out for its pioneering approach to providing physical access to essential goods while intertwining welfare services that address the unique needs of the community it serves.
A Unique Business Model with a Social Mission
Tokushimaru employees, often familiar faces for the customers they serve, conduct visits twice a week, offering a chance for personal interaction that helps detect any concerning changes in their clients’ well-being. This 'watching over' role has been formalized through signing 'watch over agreements' with local municipalities and police, establishing a framework of support among community agencies, social workers, and health care providers.
Each interaction with a customer is more than just a transaction; it’s an opportunity for social connection, helping to alleviate loneliness among elderly patrons. By focusing on fostering community engagement, Tokushimaru transforms shopping from a mere chore into a social event where customers can see, touch, and choose their groceries with care. This process also nurtures relationships and encourages local interaction, making shopping enjoyable.
Growing Impact and Expansion Plans
To meet the growing demand, Tokushimaru is ramping up its recruitment of sales staff and forging new partnerships with local supermarkets to continuously supply goods. The ultimate goal is to expand their operations, increasing the number of active mobile units and solidifying their role as vital infrastructure for neighborhoods, particularly those facing challenges in food access.
For more information about joining the Tokushimaru team or the community initiatives they offer, check out their official website.
Oisix Ra Daichi: Committed to Sustainable Solutions
Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd. prides itself on providing reliable, safe agricultural products, meal kits, and various subscription services. With brands like 'Oisix' and 'Radish Boya,' and guided by the principles of sustainable retail, the company is dedicated to solving social issues related to food, from farm to table. Through proactive strategies aimed at reducing food waste and ensuring efficient supply chain management, Oisix continues to drive positive change in the food industry.
For further details on their sustainable practices or meal subscriptions, visit Oisix Ra Daichi's official website.
The mobile supermarket initiative Tokushimaru, a consolidated subsidiary of Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd., has recently received the prestigious Minister's Award at the inaugural 'Food and Agriculture Connect Award' for its outstanding contributions in the realm of food accessibility. Headquartered in Tokushima, Japan, Tokushimaru operates approximately 1,200 mobile units across the nation, primarily serving elderly customers who face difficulties with shopping.
Launched to address the increasing number of 'shopping refugees,' primarily seniors, Tokushimaru provides not only essential groceries but also daily necessities, offering around 400 different items on its mobile vehicles. This service has successfully reached around 180,000 customers, ensuring that those unable to travel to grocery stores have access to what they need right at their doorsteps.
The Food and Agriculture Connect Award
Established as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' 'Nippon Food Shift,' the Food and Agriculture Connect Award recognizes innovative and proactive efforts to ensure sustainable food supply chains. Under this initiative, both public and private sectors collaborate to address the pressing challenges faced by Japan's food systems.
This award not only acknowledges the significance of Tokushimaru's operations but also highlights its role as a model for businesses seeking to tackle societal issues while ensuring profitability. According to the evaluation committee, the project stands out for its pioneering approach to providing physical access to essential goods while intertwining welfare services that address the unique needs of the community it serves.
A Unique Business Model with a Social Mission
Tokushimaru employees, often familiar faces for the customers they serve, conduct visits twice a week, offering a chance for personal interaction that helps detect any concerning changes in their clients’ well-being. This 'watching over' role has been formalized through signing 'watch over agreements' with local municipalities and police, establishing a framework of support among community agencies, social workers, and health care providers.
Each interaction with a customer is more than just a transaction; it’s an opportunity for social connection, helping to alleviate loneliness among elderly patrons. By focusing on fostering community engagement, Tokushimaru transforms shopping from a mere chore into a social event where customers can see, touch, and choose their groceries with care. This process also nurtures relationships and encourages local interaction, making shopping enjoyable.
Growing Impact and Expansion Plans
To meet the growing demand, Tokushimaru is ramping up its recruitment of sales staff and forging new partnerships with local supermarkets to continuously supply goods. The ultimate goal is to expand their operations, increasing the number of active mobile units and solidifying their role as vital infrastructure for neighborhoods, particularly those facing challenges in food access.
For more information about joining the Tokushimaru team or the community initiatives they offer, check out their official website.
Oisix Ra Daichi: Committed to Sustainable Solutions
Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd. prides itself on providing reliable, safe agricultural products, meal kits, and various subscription services. With brands like 'Oisix' and 'Radish Boya,' and guided by the principles of sustainable retail, the company is dedicated to solving social issues related to food, from farm to table. Through proactive strategies aimed at reducing food waste and ensuring efficient supply chain management, Oisix continues to drive positive change in the food industry.
For further details on their sustainable practices or meal subscriptions, visit Oisix Ra Daichi's official website.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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