#Japan #Tokyo #Oisix #WeSupport Family #food aid

Supporting Single-Parent Households with WeSupport Family

The WeSupport Family initiative, managed collaboratively by Oisix, RCF, and Coconet, has made significant strides in providing food support to single-parent households in Japan. Launched in December 2021, the project aims to address food insecurity among struggling families, particularly single parents. By May 2025, the program has reached over 30,273 families, marking it as one of the largest food aid platforms for single-parent households in the country.

Project Overview

The WeSupport Family project operates by coordinating donations of food and various resources from 79 supporting companies, yielding a total of 1.6 billion yen in support materials. This initiative's growth over the past four years showcases the commitment of both the companies involved and the effort to aid families in need. The support system is designed to connect donated goods with families based on specific needs, ensuring effective delivery of essential supplies.

Benefits for Supporting Companies

Participating companies gain several advantages by contributing to WeSupport Family. For example:

• - Reduction of Food Waste: Companies are encouraged to donate seasonal items or products with damaged packaging, as long as they are within their expiration dates.
• - Efficient Logistics: With a single delivery point, companies can minimize logistics costs and streamline the donation process.
• - Ease of Coordination: The WeSupport administration handles all necessary communication and arrangements with recipient organizations, saving companies time and effort.

Expanding Beyond Food Support

In addition to providing food, WeSupport Family is also addressing other social needs, such as emotional support through community engagement. For instance:

Mother's Day Flower Donations

In line with their mission, WeSupport Family also donated 1,153 flower arrangements and potted plants to three support organizations in Tokyo for Mother's Day. The initiative not only helps reduce floral waste but also expresses appreciation for hardworking mothers within these communities. Recipients reported feelings of joy and renewed motivation, underscoring the emotional value of such gestures.

Workshops to Alleviate Experience Gaps

Recognizing the lack of extracurricular experiences faced by many economically disadvantaged children, WeSupport Family is organizing Candle-Making Workshops in June 2025. This event is part of the larger initiative called "100万人のキャンドルナイト" and aims to invite 20 parent-child pairs from single-parent families to foster enriching experiences. This commitment is crucial in bridging the experience gap among children from various economic backgrounds, especially as costs of living continue to rise.

Social Wednesday Initiative

In an effort to further extend the program's impact, WeSupport Family is taking part in the 'Social Wednesday' movement, which promotes corporate volunteerism centered around Wednesday activities. The organization’s head will present details on the challenges faced by single-parent households, fostering a dialogue around corporate responsibility. This initiative aims to inspire corporate employees to engage in community support, building a stronger societal framework.

Support and Partnerships

WeSupport Family actively collaborates with various organizations and has garnered the support of companies across different industries, from food and beverage to retail and logistics. Notable partners include Oisix, a provider of agricultural products and meal kits, and Coconet, which focuses on delivering essential goods to those in need. Through these partnerships, WeSupport Family continues to develop innovative solutions for supporting vulnerable families.

How to Support WeSupport Family

Individuals and organizations interested in contributing can do so via Yahoo! net donations or find more information on how to provide support on the WeSupport Family website:
WeSupport Family

The efforts led by WeSupport Family highlight the essential role of community collaboration in addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity among single-parent households in Japan. As they continue to grow, the initiative reflects a model of social responsibility that other regions might consider emulating.