New Collaboration Between Tsubame City and Local Co-op Aims to Boost Childcare Support

Strengthening Childcare Support Through Community Collaboration

On February 6th, Tsubame City, under the leadership of Mayor Daisuke Sano, entered into a partnership with the Niigata-based Pal System Co-op, represented by Chairperson Etsuko Seno. The agreement aims to enhance support for families with children by providing a special package named "Omedetou Bako" (Congratulations Box), filled with essential childcare products. This initiative symbolizes the cooperation between local authorities and cooperatives to create an accessible environment for all families in the community, emphasizing the collective effort to support child-rearing.

Commitment to All Families

The primary goal of this partnership is to contribute to creating a nurturing environment where citizens can raise their children safely and healthily, backed by the combined strengths of the local government and Pal System. With a robust delivery network, Pal System aims to cater to the needs of childcare households efficiently, ensuring that support reaches those who require it most.

As part of the agreement, Tsubame City will distribute an informational card to parents attending infant health check-ups. This card features a QR code link that parents can use to apply for their own "Omedetou Bako," which includes a collection of baby products such as baby soap, wipes, and a recipe book designed to assist with baby food preparation. Furthermore, the package contains essential food items, including salt-free tuna cans.

During the signing ceremony held at city hall, Mayor Sano expressed his hopes for the initiative's impact on the community, to which Chairperson Seno responded enthusiastically about the co-op's role in delivering safe, nutritious food through its delivery services while also fostering collaborative efforts within the community to better support families.

Fulfilling Roles Through Local Delivery

The "Omedetou Bako" will be personally delivered to recipients by Pal System, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local families in need. This initiative includes not only the provision of products but also essential information about childcare support centers, healthcare resources, and various welfare programs. Additionally, Pal System aims to inform families about parenting events and workshops that they organize, promoting further community engagement.

Contents of the "Omedetou Bako"

The box contains:

- 200g of organic pancake mix
- 200ml of Hohomei Easy Milk
- 250ml of YUMYUM Baby Soap
- 80 wipes from YumYum
- Three 100ml bottles of Carrot and Fruit Juice (AB)
- A 70g can of salt-free and non-oil tuna flakes
- A mini guidebook for starting baby food

During the event, Seno and Sano presented the contents of the "Omedetou Bako," showcasing the cooperative's dedication to providing valuable resources for families in Tsubame.

Strengthening Community Bonds Through Cooperation

Every week, Pal System's delivery service visits various neighborhoods within Tsubame City, leveraging their local infrastructure to distribute not only the "Omedetou Bako" but also a range of original products aimed at assisting families with childcare. They also host community events and provide information via their dedicated parenting website, "Kodomo Sodatte 123," enhancing the network of connections that underpin this supportive initiative.

Through ongoing efforts, Pal System Niigata Tokimeki aspires to be a proactive source of childcare information, collaborating with local authorities and the community to cultivate an environment where all parents feel secure in raising their children, making Tsubame a model of support for families.

Pal System Niigata Tokimeki
Location: 303-8 Yamada, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Chairperson: Etsuko Seno
Cooperative Capital: 240 million yen
Member Count: 18,000
Total Revenue: 2.33 billion yen (as of March 2025)
Website: Pal System Tokimeki

Pal System Cooperative Federation
Location: 2-2-6 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Chairperson: Atsuki Shibusawa
Total Revenue: 260.42 billion yen / Membership Count: 1.76 million (as of March 2025)
Member Cooperatives include: Pal System Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gunma, Fukushima, Shizuoka, Niigata Tokimeki, and more.
Website: Pal System