Fukushima's Hanawa Town Donates 300kg of Rice to Schools in Katsushika Ward

A Generous Gesture from Hanawa Town

In a significant act of community spirit, Hanawa Town in Fukushima Prefecture has donated 300 kilograms of its locally produced rice to schools in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. This contribution was officially recognized during a donation ceremony held on June 29, 2023, at the Katsushika Ward Office, where Mr. Yasuhira Endo, the Chief of the Town Planning Division, presented the rice to Mr. Shigeru Ichikawa, the Education Director of Katsushika Ward.

The donated rice will be served to students from five local elementary schools in the Shin-Koiwa area during their lunches in early July. The initiative aims not only to provide nutritious meals but also to educate urban children about where their food comes from.

Comments from Officials

Yasuhira Endo, Chief of Hanawa Town Planning Division

Mr. Endo expressed his joy over the initiative, stating, "It brings me great happiness to know that the rice, painstakingly cultivated in Hanawa Town, will be enjoyed by the children of Katsushika Ward. We hope that the next generation will appreciate the genuine taste of our rice and take an interest in Hanawa Town."

Shigeru Ichikawa, Education Director of Katsushika Ward

Mr. Ichikawa also shared his gratitude, saying, "We deeply appreciate the donation of rice that has been carefully raised in Hanawa Town. Children living in urban areas seldom get the chance to understand how rice grows and reaches their table. We hope this donation will encourage them to develop an interest in food and agriculture. Katsushika Ward will continue to strengthen its ties with Hanawa Town."

Details of the Donation

The 300 kg of rice is designated to be served in the school lunches at the following institutions:
1. Matsukami Elementary School
2. Komatsu Minami Elementary School
3. Futatsu Kami Elementary School
4. Kamikomatsu Elementary School
5. Kamihirabai Elementary School

The donation also includes original clear files promoting Hanawa's agricultural identity.

As part of this initiative, a variety of promotional activities will be rolled out. Every student will not only taste the Hanawa rice but will also receive a clear file, while parents will receive brochures about tourism and food safety. Additionally, parents will have the opportunity to participate in a web-based survey accessed through a QR code on the flyers, with a chance to win 3 kg of Hanawa rice in a raffle scheduled for early August.

Overview of the "Hanawa no Megumi" Project

This project aims to deepen the bond between Katsushika Ward and Hanawa Town, which has established a mutual support agreement for times of disaster. It seeks to dispel any negative perceptions resulting from the earthquake and boost awareness of Hanawa Town.

By incorporating tasting events, promotional giveaways, and a parent-focused survey with incentives, the project aims to achieve four main objectives: combating negative perceptions, enhancing recognition of the town, building stronger ties with partner municipalities, and promoting local agriculture. Ultimately, it aspires to create new exchanges with the next generation through food.

Interestingly, Hanawa Town is also renowned for its cultivation of dahlia flowers, which adds to its charm and agricultural diversity.