#Japan #Tokushima #Oisix #WeSupport Family #Foodbank Tokushima

WeSupport Family Expands Its Food Assistance Initiative in Shikoku

In a significant move to address food insecurity among single-parent families in Shikoku, Oisix, along with RCF and Coconet, has launched the "WeSupport Family" project. Initiatives like these are especially crucial in light of the rising cost of living, which has dramatically affected economically vulnerable households. Starting from June 25, 2026, the program will provide food support to approximately 1,000 families across Shikoku’s four prefectures through a robust network of local food banks, notably in collaboration with the accredited NPO Foodbank Tokushima.

Addressing the Challenge of Rising Food Prices

The soaring food prices over recent years have made life exceptionally challenging for single-parent households, which often lack the financial stability needed to navigate difficult economic conditions. In rural areas, the situation is exacerbated by the limited availability of both supportive organizations and donation sources, creating a stark disparity in support compared to urban regions. Reports indicate that the relative poverty rate for single-parent households stands at 44.5%, with nearly half facing hardships concerning their basic necessities.

From Pilot Program to Widespread Reach

The WeSupport Family initiative initially trialed a pilot program in March 2026, delivering food aid to 100 households via Foodbank Tokushima. Thanks to the collaborative arrangements established with food banks across Shikoku, the project is now set to expand its outreach dramatically to reach 1,000 families. With regular shipments of food and essential household items on the horizon, this initiative stands to make a significant impact.

Supporting institutions include Food Bank Kagawa, Oasis Marugame, Shodoshima Youth Support Organization in Kagawa; Ehime Food Bank, Ikusos, and Ehime Seikatsu in Ehime; as well as Kochi Ai Ai Network and Kochi Food Support Network in Kochi.

Comments from Leadership

Mako Kiyotani, President of Foodbank Tokushima, commented on their long-standing commitment since their establishment in 2015, emphasizing the importance of community and shared support. Kiyotani stated, "With the strengthened alliance through WeSupport Family, we are well-positioned to deliver substantial assistance to over 1,000 single-parent households across Shikoku. Our goal is to collectively navigate this crisis and offer genuine support."

The Structure of WeSupport Family

WeSupport Family operates by matching donated food and materials from supportive companies with the needs of families in need, facilitating monthly deliveries through participating support organizations. Since its launch, the program has expanded to serve a total of 33,012 households, with donations exceeding 2.1 billion yen in value by April 2026.

Important advantages for supporting businesses include the acceptance of surplus seasonal products and slightly damaged goods, contributing to food loss reduction while managing logistics efficiently through centralized delivery channels.

Contributing to Broader Social Goals

In addition to food assistance, the WeSupport Family initiative seeks to close the experience gap faced by children from impoverished households by providing opportunities tied to food, such as educational events and cooking workshops.

Through strategic partnerships and community outreach, both organizations and individuals can play a crucial role in alleviating food insecurity in Shikoku. The focus remains on fostering a culture of giving and advancing sustainable practices across the region.

For more information about the initiative, you can visit WeSupport Family.

In conclusion, the launch of the WeSupport Family program marks a definitive step towards creating a robust safety net for single-parent families in need. The synergy between local entities and dedicated support from broader networks creates hope for many as efforts to combat food insecurity continue to be prioritized in Shikoku.