#Japan #Tokyo #community support #food drive #FamilyMart

Celebrating 5 Years of FamilyMart Food Drive

FamilyMart has reached a significant milestone in its mission to combat food waste and support communities through its initiative, the FamilyMart Food Drive. As the company gears up to celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026, it proudly acknowledges the establishment of this program that has become an integral part of community support.

A Milestone Achieved: 5,000 Stores and 600 Tons Donated

On May 18, FamilyMart expanded its Food Drive program to reach a landmark of 5,000 stores across Japan. Over the past five years, the initiative has successfully collected more than 600 tons of food, which is equivalent to approximately 6 million rice balls. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the program but also underscores the growing necessity for such efforts amid rising living costs that leave many individuals in need.

The Food Drive operates as a conduit for families to donate surplus food items at participating FamilyMart locations. These contributions are then distributed to local partner organizations, ensuring that the food reaches those who need it the most. This ongoing action is not viewed as a mere event but as a daily act of kindness where residents support each other through their routine shopping activities. Food items that might have gone unnoticed at the back of pantry shelves are now transformed into nourishing meals for families in need. The network of 5,000 stores aims to create a warm and impactful connection among community members through this initiative.

Recognition and Awards: A Testament to the Community Impact

The dual focus on food support and reducing food waste inherent in the FamilyMart Food Drive has garnered considerable recognition from external bodies. To date, the initiative has received six prestigious awards, including the 2024 Climate Change Action Minister's Award and the 2025 Corporate Philanthropy Award. These accolades serve as validation not only of FamilyMart's efforts but also reflect the trust built with approximately 680 collaborative organizations and the communities contributing to the food donation efforts.

Looking Ahead: Building a Future of Sustained Kindness

With a solid support network in place, FamilyMart aims for its next step: to further activate this infrastructure so that social contribution becomes an everyday norm rather than an exceptional occurrence. The company plans to deepen collaborations with around 680 partner organizations, establishing flexible support systems tailored to community-specific challenges. Small acts of kindness during shopping outings can yield significant support for sustainable local communities. With the trust earned from six awards, FamilyMart envisions a future where warm cycles of giving flourish alongside local community members.

Special Feature Page: Showcasing the Impact of 5,000 Stores

To help people feel more connected to this initiative, FamilyMart has launched a dedicated webpage that highlights the journey of the Food Drive. This resource includes a message from comedian Hidetaka Takizawa, who has expertise in environmental issues. Takizawa’s insights exemplify how the scale of 5,000 stores not only creates a vast network of support but also emphasizes the shift towards choosing options that deliver food instead of discarding it. His heartfelt perspective adds a professional yet warm touch, providing encouragement for a future where delivery becomes a common choice.

Celebratory Messages for the 5th Anniversary

FamilyMart’s dedication to the Food Drive has received admiration from various stakeholders:

• - Masaru Chubei, Aichi Children’s Cafeteria Network: Celebrating the achievement of 5,000 stores, he acknowledges the gratitude towards the efforts of FamilyMart staff contributing to the community’s well-being through food provision.
• - Junko Ando, NPO Reilain: She extends her warm wishes for the Food Drive's 5th anniversary and appreciates the meticulous care shown by each store in collecting and managing donations.

For further information on the types of food accepted and the overall initiative, please visit the official FamilyMart website.

FamilyMart, under the motto "Together with you, convenience is FamilyMart," continues to strive as an essential community presence that connects with each customer like family, aiming to go beyond mere convenience.

Reference Information

• - FamilyMart has emphasized its commitment to meeting the challenges of modern consumers with its new slogan, "The Biggest Challenge Beyond Convenience." This approach encapsulates its ambition to remain a favored choice in the ever-evolving landscape of community retail.
• - For more details visit the 45th anniversary special site: FamilyMart 45th Anniversary