#Japan #Edogawa #LION HEART #Bento Card #Tokyo Bento Labo

Addressing the Summer Lunch Dilemma: The Bento Card Initiative

As summer approaches, children eagerly await their longed-for break from school, but not all parents share this excitement. For many households, especially single-parent and dual-income families, the absence of school lunches during the summer creates what is being referred to as the "Summer Lunch Dilemma." This year, with rising food costs exacerbating the situation, the issue is more pressing than ever.

The Growing Challenge of Rising Food Costs

The NPO Lion Heart operates a children’s cafeteria open year-round, providing meals to children in need. Traditionally, the number of children using the service tends to rise during the summer months when school lunches are not available. However, rising food prices are putting significant strain on food pantries, which already rely heavily on donations. Consequently, securing enough food for families this summer is becoming increasingly challenging.

The organization has noted that securing balanced nutrition for children while alleviating the financial and time burdens on caregivers has become a key focus. Many families find themselves struggling, particularly with the rising costs of living.

An Innovative Approach Through Cross-Industry Collaboration

In response to this challenge, three companies—Tokyo Bento Labo, TOPPAN Digital, and MP Solutions—have come together in support of Lion Heart's mission. They aim to provide practical solutions to the summer meal crisis through an innovative trial program.

Beginning July 18 and lasting until August 31, 2025, the collaboration will offer 250 families using the Lion Heart's children’s cafeteria in Edogawa Ward access to “Bento cards.” These cards can be used at the “Ippin Shokudo®” frozen vending machines, allowing families to redeem meals for up to six portions (worth 4,200 yen).

Each Bento card contains a QR code, enabling families to conveniently exchange it for meals made from locally-sourced ingredients, including handmade rice balls, lunch boxes, and fried chicken.

An exciting aspect of this initiative is the introduction of the "Jihatoku®" service, developed jointly by TOPPAN Digital and MP Solutions, which allows for QR code payments at the machines. This feature ensures that everyone can easily access nutritious meals when needed, offering a contactless, secure option catered to the current social climate.

Nourishing the Future of Our Children

This project is not merely about providing food; it also presents a new opportunity for children to choose high-quality meals at their convenience. By doing so, it alleviates some of the burdens on busy parents and helps ensure that children can maintain balanced nutrition throughout the summer.

Tokyo Bento Labo is committed to connecting the community and the world through food. Their frozen meals are crafted using locally sourced ingredients and emphasize both quality and safety, making them a reliable option for families. The “Ippin Shokudo®” vending machines serve as a platform for this initiative, reflecting a commitment to addressing significant social challenges.

A Collective Effort Towards a Brighter Future

The hope is that this collaborative effort serves as a prime example of how businesses can leverage their resources and technology to directly address specific social issues within the community. Lion Heart continuously strives to support children and their families, remaining active and engaged every day of the year.

This initiative aims to gather valuable insights that can enhance the operations of children's cafeterias and food pantries in the future, strengthening the local food safety net alongside it.

“As we pursue our mission to provide every child with a rich and fulfilling life,” states Lion Heart, “we recognize the vital role that community support plays in this endeavor. This summer, we are dedicated to protecting as many smiles as possible among children, and we are committed to meeting this new challenge with all our efforts.”

Implementation Overview

• - Duration: July 18, 2025 – August 31, 2025
• - Participants: 250 individuals from the NPO Lion Heart’s year-round children’s cafeteria and food pantry
• - Goal: A trial program aimed at solving the “Lunch Dilemma” during summer
• - Details: Families will receive Bento cards, which can be exchanged for up to six types of meals at the frozen vending machine
• - Redemption Locations: Four sites of “Ippin Shokudo®” in Edogawa Ward

In conclusion, this initiative, backed by corporate support and community involvement, hopes to make a significant impact in addressing summer food issues for children and families in need.