[Co-op Deli] 'Happy Milk Project' presents 22.45 million JPY to the Japan Committee for UNICEF

## Project Overview and Donation Presentation

The Co-op Deli Consumers' Co-operative Union and the Co-op Deli Group have presented a total of 22,454,600 JPY to the Japan Committee for UNICEF, raised through the 2025 fiscal year 'Happy Milk Project' to support nutrition improvement for children in Africa.

The funds will be utilized through the Japan Committee for UNICEF to support nutrition programs in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire and to aid children suffering from conflict and natural disasters in Africa.

The presentation ceremony was held on June 4. The donation consists of 13,531,987 JPY from the sales of 67,659,933 cartons of Co-op milk and 8,922,613 JPY raised through donations from Co-op members.

## History of the Project

The 'Happy Milk Project' began in 2008, and the total amount donated to date is 331,841,763 JPY. Support has expanded across countries including Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Cote d'Ivoire, and emergency relief funding was added in 2017.

## New Developments Starting in Fiscal Year 2026: Supporting the Republic of Benin

Starting in 2026, the project will begin supporting UNICEF nutrition programs in the Republic of Benin. In the country, 30% of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth, making maternal and child health a critical issue. Future support will be conducted through the following activities:

- Training for medical personnel and community health workers
- Strengthening the capacity of women's support groups involved in infant nutrition improvement
- Support for establishing food processing facilities for women's cooperatives
- Organizing cooking classes and nutrition guidance using local ingredients
- Monitoring, evaluation, and information sharing of activities