Japan's First※ Child Meal Support Program 'Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi' Launching in Summer 2026 — 3,000 Meals to Be Provided Free of Charge Across Toyama Prefecture

Gigi Inc. (reading: Jiji, CEO: Ryosuke Imai, hereinafter "Gigi") announces that "Kodomo Gochimeshi," a child meal support system, will be implemented in summer 2026 as a selected pilot project under "Innovation QUEST in TOYAMA 2025," a privately led open innovation co-creation program hosted by four companies: Hokuriku Bank Co., Ltd. (President: Hiroshi Nakazawa), Hokkoku Shimbun Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Makoto Kamachi), Intec Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Hidetaro Hikita), and Relic Co., Ltd. (CEO: Takao Kitajima).

This pilot project will provide 3,000 free meals (each valued at approximately 1,000 yen) to children aged 15 and under residing in Toyama Prefecture during the summer vacation period. These meals can be used at local restaurants. This marks Japan’s first※ initiative to deploy a summer child meal support program across an entire prefecture using electronic tickets.

※As of May 2026, based on Gigi’s research: a pilot program providing meal support to children residing within a prefecture during summer vacation, using electronic tickets redeemable at local restaurants.

## Background of the Pilot Program

During long school breaks when school lunches are unavailable, children may face nutritional deficiencies or eat alone due to family circumstances such as financial hardship or parental workloads. These challenges extend beyond poverty. "Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi" aims to transform local restaurants into functional "children’s cafeterias," ensuring that children from all types of households can access safe and reliable meals.

Aligned with the four organizers’ theme of "Protecting the Future of Our Region from Population Decline," the program also seeks to foster future residency intentions and deepen community attachment by building systems that support children locally. The initiative strives to realize a new model of meal support: "Raising children together as a community — a new form of food assistance starting in Toyama."

## Overview of Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi

### Implementation Period

During the summer vacation period of public elementary and junior high schools in Toyama Prefecture (exact dates to be announced later via the official "Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi" website).

### Provided Content

Meal vouchers for 3,000 meals (each worth 1,000 yen)

### Distribution Method

Electronic tickets will be distributed to households that apply via the official website (specific application procedures will be detailed on the website).

### Eligibility

Children aged 15 and under residing in Toyama Prefecture (※ Number of usable meals varies by household situation)

### Main Pilot Area

1st floor of MAROOT / 1st floor of Mariyama Toyama (commercial facility in front of JR Toyama Station)

※ Pilot cooperation company: Toyama Terminal Building Co., Ltd.

### Participating Restaurants

Listed progressively on the official website

### Notes

- Meal costs for accompanying parents/guardians are not covered
- The program will end once the total of 3,000 meals has been distributed, even if within the scheduled period

## Call for Supporting Companies

This initiative aims to simultaneously address "invisible poverty" through child meal support and stimulate the local economy by increasing patronage at local restaurants. We are seeking support from companies within Toyama Prefecture who share our vision. Logos of supporting companies will be displayed on the "Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi" official website. We also welcome participation from local restaurants in Toyama.

For details and applications, please visit the official website.

Official Website: Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi

## Future Outlook

We aim to expand the prefecture-wide model established through "Toyama Kodomo Gochimeshi" to municipalities and regions nationwide. We will continue promoting this initiative so that this new model of meal support, starting in Toyama, reaches communities across Japan facing children's food insecurity.

## What is Kodomo Gochimeshi?

"Kodomo Gochimeshi" is a system that enables local restaurants to function as "children’s cafeterias," delivering meals to children in need. Since its launch, it has pursued sustainable support by leveraging IT and digital tickets to drive the digital transformation (DX) of children’s cafeterias.

While addressing challenges faced by traditional volunteer-based children’s cafeterias—such as staffing shortages, irregular operation schedules, and funding difficulties—the program has built a mutually beneficial "triple-win" model that benefits local restaurants, children, and supporters alike.

Learn more

## Company Overview: Gigi Inc.

- Headquarters: 1-3-40 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Founded: September 13, 2018
- CEO: Ryosuke Imai
- Business: Internet services
- Website: https://www.gigi.tokyo