JCCU supports the 'Food Box for Children' initiative by Save the Children Japan and has now sponsored the project for the ninth time.

In Japan, an estimated 11.5% of children live in relative poverty. Children in households facing financial hardship may have difficulty obtaining sufficient food. As part of its efforts to protect children's rights to survival and development, Save the Children Japan launched the "Food Box for Children" initiative in 2020. Through the program, food products donated by companies and other organizations are delivered to households experiencing financial hardship. Since support is particularly important during the summer and winter school holidays, when school lunches are unavailable, the program is carried out twice a year.

As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), JCCU has declared its intent to help eliminate hunger and poverty worldwide while supporting children. Its sponsorship of this initiative is one such effort. On this occasion, JCCU donated CO-OP products and JCCU staff also participated in volunteer activities to pack the food support boxes. The donated items were distributed to approximately 5,000 households. JCCU staff who took part in the packing activities commented that it was a valuable opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of support activities on the ground and the needs expressed by the families receiving assistance.

Packing the Support Boxes

JCCU will continue working together with co-op members and consumers in local communities to support families raising children and people experiencing financial hardship.

About Save the Children
Save the Children is a private, non-profit international organization founded in the United Kingdom in 1919, with more than 100 years of experience supporting children. Today, it operates in approximately 100 countries, working toward a world in which every child's rights are fully realized. Its activities cover areas including emergency and humanitarian assistance, education, and child protection.

In Japan, Save the Children Japan was established in 1986. Working in partnership with national and local governments and communities, the organization undertakes initiatives to address child poverty and promote children's rights. It also provides emergency and recovery assistance following major natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, and torrential rains. Through these activities, Save the Children Japan works to ensure that the rights of all children are respected and fulfilled.