Co-op Mirai Holds Rice Donation Ceremony for Akishima City Social Welfare Council

On Friday, June 5, a rice donation ceremony for the Social Welfare Corporation Akishima City Social Welfare Council was held at the Co-op Deli Akishima Center in Akishima City. The donated rice will be provided free of charge to low-income households in the region through the Akishima City Social Welfare Council.

Attendees included Hiroyuki Abe, Director General of the Akishima City Social Welfare Council (right), and Makiko Koga, Vice Chairperson of Co-op Mirai. Director General Abe expressed his gratitude, stating, "Many people in need come to the council for consultation every day. We are very grateful for this large donation of rice and expect that we can expand support to even more people than before." In response, Vice Chairperson Koga said, "This rice was made possible by using surplus funds generated from our members' purchases for social contribution. Thanks to the network of the council, which is deeply rooted in the community, we can deliver this support to those who need it. We will continue to work hand in hand with everyone."

Co-op Mirai has been continuing its annual donation of approximately 200 tons since fiscal year 2022, and in fiscal year 2026, it has started donating 200 tons of domestic rice (40,000 5kg bags). In fiscal year 2025, due to a rice shortage, the cooperative switched part of its support to packaged rice meals, but in fiscal year 2026, it has re-established a system for donating rice. Throughout the year, the rice will be delivered to a total of 64 organizations, including food banks and social welfare councils in Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo prefectures.

As rising prices directly impact the household budgets of low-income families, Co-op Mirai will continue to promote activities that support local communities and Japanese rice farming through the provision of rice, a staple food.