#Japan #Yokohama #Oisix #Food Education #Sustainable Eating

Oisix’s Unique Food Education Program

On September 16, 2025, Oisix la Daichi launched an innovative food education program at My Heart Tsunashima Higashi Nursery in Yokohama, Kanagawa. This initiative focuses on teaching children about misshapen eggplants that are often discarded due to aesthetic standards. Amid the sweltering summer heat, many eggplants failed to conform to usual specifications, creating an opportunity for education on sustainability in food consumption.

The program, developed by Oisix’s Sukusuku services, aims to deepen children's understanding of food sources while promoting the concept of reducing food waste. By using eggplants directly sourced from farms, the children learn the importance of appreciating vegetables in all their forms, even those that might be deemed unsightly.

Educational Activities in the Program

The day began with a quiz conducted by the nursery teachers, showcasing photos of eggplant flowers and prompting questions about how the vegetables grow. This interactive segment was designed to introduce the children to the farming process. After that, attendees were involved in hands-on activities, where they compared regular eggplants with those that were misshapen or had surface blemishes. Through this up-close examination, the children learned that various factors, including weather conditions and farming methods, can affect the appearance of the produce.

Furthermore, Oisix team member Kanami Kazuki guided the kids through the sensory exploration of eggplants, allowing them to smell, touch, and examine the vegetables. Children were connected virtually with farmers, who answered their curious questions like, “How do vegetables grow?” and “How much water do they drink?” This connection helped drive home the importance of understanding and respecting food production.

The day culminated in a delicious lunch featuring spaghetti with meat sauce prepared using the misshapen eggplants. As the children discovered the delightful taste of eggplant in their meal, many expressed newfound enthusiasm for this often-disregarded vegetable.

Goals and Rationale Behind the Program

The initiative was developed to address the issue of “ugly” produce that is often wasted due to its appearance, like misshaped or blemished eggplants caused by harsh summer weather. While the exterior may be less appealing, the flavor remains unchanged. Through this program, Oisix strives to convey the message that all vegetables, regardless of appearance, are deserving of appreciation and consumption.

Additionally, cooking with these unusual eggplants has led to a noticeable increase in the children’s willingness to try and enjoy vegetables, illustrating that sensory engagement can transform perspectives on food. Oisix is dedicated to strengthening these initiatives going forward, particularly as a means to combat food waste while fostering a love for vegetables among young children.

About the Sukusuku Oisix Meal Program

Since its inception in 2015, the Sukusuku Oisix service has been providing nutritious and safe food options to daycare facilities. The program not only delivers ingredients that meet Oisix’s quality standards but also includes meal planning, nutrition consultations, and distinctive food education activities designed to lighten the operational load on the facilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that children can learn to appreciate healthy eating from an early age.

Our mission continues to center around reducing food waste through educational programs, thereby making a positive impact on children's eating habits and bringing awareness to the importance of sustainability in their food choices.

For more information on this initiative and for updates on future educational programs, visit Sukusuku Oisix.