Expanding Childcare Network: Partnership Agreements with Maebashi City, Oura Town, Kawaba Village, Yoshioka Town, and Isesaki City [Gunma]

Pal System Gunma Consumers' Co-operative (Headquarters: Nakaorui-machi, Takasaki City, Chairperson: Makiko Ohira) signed an 'Agreement on the Promotion of Childcare Support' in March with 5 municipalities: Maebashi City (Mayor Akira Ogawa), Oura Town (Mayor Mitsunori Hashimoto), Kawaba Village (Mayor Kyotaro Toyama), Yoshioka Town (Mayor Tokuichiro Shibasaki), and Isesaki City (Mayor Yasuo Hiji). Based on the agreement, they will begin giving 'Omedeto Bako' (Congratulations Box)—an assortment of goods useful for childcare—to applying households. Through the collaboration between the government and the co-op, they will promote an environment where anyone in the community can receive childcare support services.

Aiming for a community where people can enjoy childcare with peace of mind through collaboration with the government

The agreement is signed with the aim of creating an environment where all children can grow up healthily. Utilizing the community-based network of co-op delivery and daily contact points with child-rearing households, they will effectively promote childcare support policies by the prefectural administration. The signing ceremony was attended by the heads of each municipality and Pal System Gunma Chairperson Makiko Ohira, confirming the strengthening of cooperation.

Based on the agreement, the 5 municipalities will distribute information leaflets for the 'Omedeto Bako,' which contains an assortment of baby products as a birth celebration gift, at the time of birth or the 4-month health checkup. When households with children under 1 year old apply, they will receive a free assortment of baby food and baby soap.

- Agreement signing ceremony with Maebashi City (March 6) - Agreement signing ceremony with Oura Town (March 17) - Agreement signing ceremony with Kawaba Village (March 19)