Introducing the Importance of Domestic Wheat Bread Making to Elementary and Junior High School Students

Promoting Domestic Wheat Bread Making in Schools

The Pal System Cooperative Federation, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is excited to announce a collaboration with Asahi Shimbun and Asahi Gakusei Shimbun for their career education resource, "Oshigoto Nenkank," targeted at elementary and junior high school students. This initiative highlights the importance of bread made with domestically produced wheat, aiming to enhance food self-sufficiency in Japan.

Through this educational material, young students will learn about the local food production system and the significance of supporting domestic farmers. The article themed "Why We Focus on Bread Made with Domestic Wheat Grown in Japan" will feature insights from Pal Bread Co., Ltd., which operates under Pal System and is based in Hachioji, Tokyo. The piece explores how Pal Bread responded to consumer demands and began the journey towards creating bread made from domestic wheat.

The Challenge of Using Domestic Wheat

In Japan, many varieties of wheat are better suited for noodles, leading to challenges in bread-making where the dough often turns out soft and lacks sufficient rise. Since 2019, Pal Bread has been experimenting with various blends and working closely with milling companies to create a stable bread dough using domestically produced wheat. Their efforts have resulted in the successful production of approximately 140 types of bread, with a target to increase the proportion of domestic wheat used in their products to 84.4% by the fiscal year 2024, and ultimately aiming for 90% by 2025.

Supporting Local Communities

Pal System is committed to improving Japan's food self-sufficiency rate, actively encouraging consumers to preferentially choose domestic agricultural products. By developing products that incorporate domestic and direct-from-farm raw materials, they create opportunities for consumers to connect with the stories behind food production. This initiative aligns perfectly with the cooperative's goal of safeguarding local production areas and promoting sustainable living.

Educating the Next Generation

The "Oshigoto Nenkank" serves as a vital educational tool for students, introducing them to various professions and addressing their queries regarding work. This resource is distributed annually to around 30,000 elementary and junior high schools across Japan, as well as to children’s food service programs, after-school care, and pediatric wards. It helps children envision their career aspirations, offering insights into the workforce and fostering an appreciation for local industries.

Since its sponsorship began in 2019, Pal System has emphasized the significance of sustainable practices in agriculture, including rice and organic vegetable production, delivering vital food education that extends beyond traditional textbooks. This approach is designed to deepen students' understanding and interest in the food they consume daily.

Helpful Links

Pal System believes that educating children about where their food comes from and how it impacts self-sufficiency can have a lasting effect on both producers and consumers alike. This alignment towards a sustainable future brings added value to the meals we share together.