#Japan #Toshima #Toshima Ward #PECO kids #PECOFREE

Introduction to PECO kids

In September 2025, a noteworthy initiative took place when PECOFREE Inc., a startup based in Fukuoka, launched a taste-testing program for their after-school snack service, PECO kids, in collaboration with the Toshima City Education Committee. This effort aimed at providing approximately 2,500 sample snacks across 22 after-school clubs (Kodomo Skip) in the region.

The challenges of providing safe and nutritious snacks for children are increasingly pressing, and this program was a perfect opportunity to share insights and brainstorm sustainable solutions for ongoing food support.

Feedback from the Field

Teachers at the participating after-school clubs shared honest feedback about their experiences with PECO kids' snacks. They expressed various concerns related to the provision of daily snacks, focusing on key areas such as allergy considerations and nutritional value.

A few notable comments included:

• - “We particularly focus on allergy responses, prioritizing the prevention of accidents. The clarity of the ingredient information in PECO kids' snacks made it easy to serve them with confidence.”
• - “The nutritious balance was well-received, and the children enjoyed eating them.”
• - “Managing budgets, creating menus, and purchasing at supermarkets is challenging, especially with rising prices. It would be ideal to incorporate nutritious snacks without increasing costs.”

Parents also voiced the desire for homemade snacks but acknowledged difficulties due to allergy management and facility constraints. Additionally, teachers mentioned wanting to alleviate staff burdens while increasing enjoyable and safe moments for children.

The Taste Test

During the tasting sessions, PECO kids offered their curry-flavored original snacks. Children responded positively, saying things like:

• - “It's authentic and delicious!”
• - “I want to eat it at home!”
• - “I'll ask my mom to get it; can you tell me where it’s sold?”
• - “I want to try other flavors!”

In a survey conducted with stickers, all 30 children from one of the clubs reported that they found the snacks to be delicious. This highlights that snack time is a significant opportunity for smiles and conversations among children in after-school settings.

Addressing Snack Challenges

The taste-testing initiative revealed the evolving landscape surrounding snacks for children. With rising food prices and stricter allergy regulations, it's become increasingly difficult to find options that meet the criteria of safety, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness.

Teachers noted that while some children prefer playing over snacking, others look forward to snack time, indicating the need for flexibility in snack offerings tailored to different preferences and lifestyles.

PECOFREE’s Vision

PECOFREE's fundamental belief is that kids' nutrition can be supported through their snack offerings. This tasting event highlighted the need not only for safety but also for a sustainable framework that can be consistently applied in after-school clubs.

PECO kids offers a diverse selection of snacks designed to be easily integrated into after-school programs, ensuring that nutritional support is a regular part of the children’s day.

The Importance of Continued Nutrition

Nutrition is not a one-time achievement but rather a culmination of daily efforts. For this reason, PECO kids strives to create a “menu-type” offering that is easy for after-school clubs to adopt without overburdening them. By ensuring consistent nutrition, PECO kids aims to foster an environment that supports children's growth while collaborating with education institutions and local governments.

Conclusion: The Future of PECO kids

As PECOFREE receives insights from the recent trials in Toshima Ward, plans are underway to create more accessible, efficient systems that lessen the operational workload of after-school clubs. The goal remains to transpire the preparation of snacks into a seamless process that emphasizes both safety and balanced nutrition.

PECOFREE will continue to strengthen partnerships with communities, administrations, and educational entities while reestablishing the value of snack time in after-school programs.

For Inquiries

For more information about PECO kids, please contact Mizuno at [email protected].