Red Cup Campaign, Supporting School Meals in Developing Countries, Announces Marius Yo as 15th-Anniversary Official Supporter
The Japan Association for the World Food Programme (WFP) has appointed Marius Yo as the official supporter for the 15th anniversary of the Red Cup Campaign. He will promote awareness of global hunger and the importance of school meal support throughout 2026.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 19:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 18:16 (31h 44m after Collected)
The Japan Association for the World Food Programme (WFP), chaired by Hirokazu Ando and based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, announced the appointment of Marius Yo as the 'Official Supporter for the 15th Anniversary of the Red Cup Campaign' ahead of the campaign’s 15th anniversary in November 2026.
Leveraging his unique experiences, Marius Yo will advocate for the Red Cup Campaign, the WFP’s school meal support, and global hunger issues, particularly during World Food Month in October and the campaign's 15th-anniversary month in November.
Comment from Marius Yo:
'I am honored to participate in this initiative as an official supporter at such a milestone. The WFP's school meal support is crucial; it not only provides nutrition to children but also contributes to improved attendance and literacy rates, fostering long-term impact on self-reliance and social participation.
During my time in Germany, living in the same atmosphere as Ukrainian refugees made the impact of conflict feel very real, not just a distant news story. When issues we see in the news become a nearby reality, it forces us to think seriously about what we can do. I hope to help raise awareness for the activities of the Japan Association for the World Food Programme.'
Profile:
Born in Germany in 2000, Yo spent his early childhood there. He was active in the Japanese entertainment industry from 2011 to 2022. After enrolling in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Sophia University in 2018, he transferred to IE University in Spain, majoring in PPLE (Politics, Philosophy, Law, and Economics) and graduating in 2024. He writes regular columns for SPUR magazine on various contemporary social issues.
Marius Yo and the Japan Association for the World Food Programme:
Having supported the WFP’s mission, Yo served as a special ambassador for the '#GochisousamaChallenge,' which promotes awareness of food loss, in 2023 and 2024. He also served as a special judge for the 'WFP Charity Essay Contest' in 2025 and 2026. In 2026, marking the 15th anniversary, he will serve as the official supporter for the Red Cup Campaign.
About the Red Cup Campaign:
Launched in November 2011, the Red Cup Campaign allows consumers to support the WFP’s school meal projects through everyday shopping. Participating companies sell products marked with the campaign logo, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the WFP’s school meal support. As of May 2026, 68 companies participate in this initiative.
WFP School Meal Support:
The WFP provides meals to approximately 20 million children in schools across developing countries annually. Nutritious meals encourage parents to send their children to school, allow students to concentrate on studies, and support the schooling of girls, contributing to gender equality. A donation of approximately 30 yen provides a meal for one child.
About the WFP:
The WFP is the only UN food assistance agency dedicated to achieving a world without hunger. In 2024, it delivered food to 124 million people in over 120 countries and regions. It provides both emergency relief during conflicts and natural disasters and long-term development support. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
About the Japan Association for the World Food Programme:
As a certified non-profit organization supporting the WFP, it serves as the official private donation window for the WFP in Japan. It engages in fundraising, partnerships with companies, and public relations. It received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2024.
Leveraging his unique experiences, Marius Yo will advocate for the Red Cup Campaign, the WFP’s school meal support, and global hunger issues, particularly during World Food Month in October and the campaign's 15th-anniversary month in November.
Comment from Marius Yo:
'I am honored to participate in this initiative as an official supporter at such a milestone. The WFP's school meal support is crucial; it not only provides nutrition to children but also contributes to improved attendance and literacy rates, fostering long-term impact on self-reliance and social participation.
During my time in Germany, living in the same atmosphere as Ukrainian refugees made the impact of conflict feel very real, not just a distant news story. When issues we see in the news become a nearby reality, it forces us to think seriously about what we can do. I hope to help raise awareness for the activities of the Japan Association for the World Food Programme.'
Profile:
Born in Germany in 2000, Yo spent his early childhood there. He was active in the Japanese entertainment industry from 2011 to 2022. After enrolling in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Sophia University in 2018, he transferred to IE University in Spain, majoring in PPLE (Politics, Philosophy, Law, and Economics) and graduating in 2024. He writes regular columns for SPUR magazine on various contemporary social issues.
Marius Yo and the Japan Association for the World Food Programme:
Having supported the WFP’s mission, Yo served as a special ambassador for the '#GochisousamaChallenge,' which promotes awareness of food loss, in 2023 and 2024. He also served as a special judge for the 'WFP Charity Essay Contest' in 2025 and 2026. In 2026, marking the 15th anniversary, he will serve as the official supporter for the Red Cup Campaign.
About the Red Cup Campaign:
Launched in November 2011, the Red Cup Campaign allows consumers to support the WFP’s school meal projects through everyday shopping. Participating companies sell products marked with the campaign logo, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to the WFP’s school meal support. As of May 2026, 68 companies participate in this initiative.
WFP School Meal Support:
The WFP provides meals to approximately 20 million children in schools across developing countries annually. Nutritious meals encourage parents to send their children to school, allow students to concentrate on studies, and support the schooling of girls, contributing to gender equality. A donation of approximately 30 yen provides a meal for one child.
About the WFP:
The WFP is the only UN food assistance agency dedicated to achieving a world without hunger. In 2024, it delivered food to 124 million people in over 120 countries and regions. It provides both emergency relief during conflicts and natural disasters and long-term development support. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
About the Japan Association for the World Food Programme:
As a certified non-profit organization supporting the WFP, it serves as the official private donation window for the WFP in Japan. It engages in fundraising, partnerships with companies, and public relations. It received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2024.
FAQ
How can I participate in the Red Cup Campaign?
You can participate by purchasing products featuring the campaign mark in stores or online.
How are the donations used?
They support school meal programs in developing countries, helping to improve school attendance, education, and children's self-reliance.
What is Marius Yo's role as a supporter?
He will actively communicate about the campaign, the WFP's activities, and global hunger issues, especially during the 15th-anniversary period.