#Japan #Tokyo #Table for Kids #Yumeshokunin #Finnovalley

New Initiative to Support Children's Nutrition in Greater Tokyo

Exciting news for families in need! The certified non-profit organization, Yumeshokunin, based in Koto, Tokyo, is launching a new initiative aimed at supporting the nutritional needs of children and young people. In collaboration with Finnovalley Co., Ltd., also from Tokyo, they are inviting new families to apply for the "Table for Kids" program, starting on April 18, 2025. This project acts as a lifeline for parents facing economic difficulties by facilitating regions' collaboration with local businesses to provide food assistance.

Families with children aged 3 to 17 who meet specific conditions can receive free digital coupons redeemable at partnering stores. These coupons function like points and can be used for eligible menu items and products. This initiative aims to alleviate nutritional hardships for specific families while promoting local businesses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Residence: Live in specific areas of the Tokyo metropolitan region, including the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Urayasu City, Ichikawa City, and Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture.
2. Age of Children: Households must have at least one child aged between 3 to 17 years as of April 1, 2025. Children aged 15 or older must be enrolled in a high school or equivalent institution.
3. Household Status: Applicants must fall under one of the following categories:
- Single-parent households with a valid "Child Support Allowance Certificate" and "Medical Certificate for Single-Parent Families."
- Households not liable for resident tax, confirmed with a certificate of taxation status (for the fiscal year 2024).

Additionally, they must possess a smartphone with a functioning camera for QR code scanning and can regularly use the coupons at partnering stores.

Exclusions

Certain households are excluded from application, including those:

• - Receiving welfare support.
• - Currently residing in child care facilities or foster care.
• - Only receiving special child support allowances.
• - Already utilizing the "Table for Kids" coupons (those whose usage has ended may apply).

Participant Limits and Support Duration

The program has a capacity to admit up to 40 families and will run for a duration of three months, tentatively scheduled from June to August 2025. The distribution of coupons will be monthly, and they will expire on specified dates each month. Depending on donation and subsidy circumstances, the support period may be extended.

Coupon Usage

The digital coupons can be accessed through a smartphone app developed by Yumeshokunin and its technology partner. They can be utilized for QR code payments at selected partnering stores within the local community. The provision includes a monthly allowance based on the number of family members (up to two adults and all children), designed to offer three rounds of support over three months.

Participating Stores

Currently, 46 stores across various districts in East Tokyo, including Koto, Sumida, Chuo, Edogawa, Katsushika, Adachi, and Arakawa, are registered as partnering businesses. These stores include restaurants, bento shops, rice stores, and markets. The list of participating stores will expand progressively.

Application Deadline

Families interested in applying for this initiative must submit their applications by May 14, 2025, at 1 PM. Please note that applications will not be accepted after the deadline and that the selection process is not first-come, first-served.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the specific application form provided on the "Table for Kids" recruitment page. This initiative is conducted in partnership with the Kids’ Future Support Fund, emphasizing the importance of collective community efforts to support children's needs.

What is the "Table for Kids" Program?

The "Table for Kids" initiative was launched in December 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to address increasing needs among families with children. The program has previously provided support to 259 families across the Greater Tokyo area, impacting a total of 735 individuals. Families are scouted and selected based on their verified public documents, allowing them access to digital coupons usable for purchasing food from local establishments through the app.

For those interested in making financial contributions or donations to support this cause, further details can be found both on the Yumeshokunin website and the respective app used for coupon distribution.

This collaboration with Finnovalley highlights an ongoing commitment to tackle local social issues through community-driven solutions, providing an empowering tool for families facing nutritional challenges.

Conclusion

If you reside in the specified areas and have children who could benefit from nutritional support, mark your calendars for April 18, 2025. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to improve food access for families in challenging situations, all while encouraging local businesses and building community resilience.