General Incorporated Association Kodomo Plus Mirai

2025 Activity Report: A Chronicle of Food Support and Addressing Experience Disparities Amidst Rising Prices

1. Introduction: Social conditions and our mission in 2025

In 2025, Japanese society faced a serious situation that threatened the survival of low-income families: record-breaking price increases, particularly a sharp rise in the price of rice, a staple food. We received an increasing number of urgent requests for help from single-parent families (especially single mothers) , such as "We don't have any rice to eat tomorrow" or "We haven't eaten anything for two days." In addition to providing regular food assistance, we also had many opportunities to respond to individual consultations.

This report provides a logical and quantitative overview of the social impact of the multifaceted support provided by our organization, ranging from ensuring the "right to survival" by securing food, to eliminating "experiential disparities" that shape children's futures.

2. The achievements and social impact of the food support project "Kodomira Marche"

Food insecurity not only hinders children's physical development but also deprives parents of their mental well-being, leading to the secondary risk of a decline in the function of home education. To minimize this risk, our organization implemented high-frequency interventions, totaling 170 times a year. Large-scale pantries, particularly those focused on long holidays when school lunches are suspended and household financial burdens are at their peak, played a crucial role in maintaining families' economic resilience.

Food support achievements for fiscal year 2025

Regularly held (twice a month)35 times

Each time, bread and fresh food are distributed to 30-40 households.

(Social impact)Regular stabilization of living conditions and prevention of isolation

Large pantry3 times

Rice and food sets will be distributed to 100 households each before the spring, summer, and winter holidays.

(Social impact)Avoiding the risk of skipping meals during long holidays and reducing financial burden.

Irregular distribution

132 times

Fresh foods such as bread and vegetables are available at any time.

(Social impact)Reducing waste (over 3 tons) and ensuring food diversity.

total:170 timesTotal number of participants: over 3,000

Permanent establishment of local safety nets

The foundation of life maintained through this food support creates a psychologically safe zone (comfort zone) for children to participate in the next steps of "experience" and "learning."

3. Development of "Kodomira Tours and Appreciation Sessions" to bridge the gap in experiential learning.

Economic hardship directly leads to "disparities in experiences," which narrow children's sensibilities and future options. Our organization aims to improve self-esteem and foster career awareness by guaranteeing access to cultural, artistic, and nature experiences. In recent years, the fact that "school visits to high schools and universities" and "career counseling" have increased sharply as the people we support grow older suggests that these experiences are not merely entertainment but are becoming the starting point for future planning.

Creating successful experiences and providing inclusive support

• Mount Fuji Tour (August): Under harsh conditions at an altitude of 3400m and the coldest weather of the year, 9 out of 20 participants (5 of whom were women) successfully reached the summit. This experience of overcoming adversity became a valuable asset that enhanced their resilience (mental recovery ability).
• Arts appreciation (over 730 people in total): Kodomira Concert (approx. 500 people), Kogumaza Family Concert (approx. 200 people), and invitations to Matsuyama Ballet's "The Nutcracker" (30 people) were held. The opportunity to experience authentic art and interact with artists after the performance promoted the emotional development of the children.
• The 8th Disney Tour (March 1st): Three families, including those with severe disabilities and children with Down syndrome, were invited. By establishing a risk management system with two nurses accompanying the group , we were able to provide a safe and high-quality leisure experience to families who had previously given up on going out due to concerns about medical care.

4. New business "Kodomira Challenge": Supporting growth through sports

Launched in 2025, the "Kodomira Challenge" is a strategic project aimed at developing non-cognitive skills by sharing goal setting and action plans.

• My challenge to the Matsudo City Nanakusa Marathon (January 11, 2026): With support from sports manufacturer Nike, shoes (for 48 children) were donated to the participating children . After expert coaching from the Logisteed Track and Field Club, more than 70 people, including parents, children, and volunteers, took part in the competition. Through completing the race despite illness and achieving goals as a family, the event deepened the sense of community.
• Combining Environmental Education and Sports (March 15): The "Matsudo Garbage Collection Ekiden" was held. 80 people participated, ranging from preschoolers to the elderly and wheelchair users. This event, which incorporated an SDGs quiz, collected 10 bags of garbage (2,544 cigarette butts, 194 cans, etc.) over a total distance of 20km. It achieved both quantitative and qualitative results in fostering a sense of social responsibility through sports.

5. Analysis of Stakeholder Collaboration and Resource Optimization

In implementing the project , in addition to autonomous revenue (pharmacy operations) and donations from individuals, external partnerships served as a "shield" to maintain the quality of support against the headwind of rising prices.

Key collaboration schemes and strategic value

• Takashimaya Co., Ltd.: Provided "New Year's food with picture book" (70 households). This initiative aims to preserve traditional culture and prevent the loss of seasonal events amid inflation.
• Nike (Community Impact Fund): Providing low-cost, high-impact "success stories" through sports through grant programs .
• Logisteed Track and Field Club: Providing expert knowledge. Elevating a mere event to the realm of "education and training."
• Rotary Club and local restaurants (ramen shops, etc.): Building a community-based mutual aid system through seasonal gifts and food distribution .

These partnerships go beyond mere funding; they expand the scale of support by bringing each organization's expertise to the field.

6. Conclusion: Outlook and determination for fiscal year 2026

In fiscal year 2025, we were able to support over 4,000 children and their families through food assistance and events. At the "Osechi Food Education Event" held on January 2, 2026, half of the participating families experienced "Osechi for the first time in their lives," and everyone completed the subsequent marathon, so we have gotten off to a good start in 2026 as well .

As social conditions change, the needs for support are becoming more individualized and complex. In fiscal year 2026, our organization will continue to strengthen strategic partnerships with local businesses, based on a stable management foundation through pharmacy operations, and work together with our supporters around the world to eliminate all disparities that hinder the future of children.

We would appreciate your continued support and guidance in the future.

Links:

• Official Website

We will report on Kodomo Plus Mirai's activities from August to November 2025.

1.Food support

In Japan, summer vacation begins in August, making life difficult for families with children. Also, rising prices are leading to an increase in single-parent families seeking support.Kodomira Marche, a food pantry for single-parent families, not only holds food pantries twice a month on Saturdays to distribute rice, noodles, seasonings, and other items, but also holds irregular food pantries to distribute food that is close to its expiration date and that is donated randomly from bakeries and farmers.
Over the past four months, we have held 58 such events, delivering food to a total of over 1,000 families.While providing support to the dietary needs of around 250 families in particularly difficult circumstances, this has also led to a reduction in food waste by approximately one ton. During this time, we have also made connections with new farmers, which has enabled us to provide a lot of vegetables to single-parent families.

2.Successfully climbing Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, and more

With the gap in experiences between single-parent families becoming an issue in Japan, we held events such as mountain climbing and ballet appreciation for children who lack such experiences.
We organized a "Mt. Fuji Tour" which participants attempted to reach the summit of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, and nine members of the climbing team, including five children, successfully reached the summit! Most of the children had no athletic experience, but they practiced walking and low-altitude mountain climbing  before the event. It was a memorable tour. For ballet, we watched The Nutcracker, performed by Matsuyama Ballet, one of Japan's oldest ballet companies. 25 parents and children were invited, and after the performance, the ballet company arranged for them to interact with the artists and take photos.

3.Upcoming Schedule: Supporting traditional Japanese events
Recently, we have had the opportunity to be introduced to parents and children by local organizations that provide refugee support, and the circle of support is expanding.
Traditional Japanese events continue from the New Year through March. While continuing our current food support, we plan to hold an event both locally and online during the New Year, where parents and children can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, "osechi," together. We also plan to provide seasonal foods to parents and children during Setsubun and Hinamatsuri.

Links:

• Official website