Photo/Illutration Saitama Governor Motohiro Ohno, right, places snacks in a food drive collection box at the Saitama prefectural government building on Oct. 19. (Nobufumi Yamada)

Leading convenience store chain Seven-Eleven Japan Co. has begun installing collection boxes in Saitama city as part of a drive to deliver surplus food to children’s cafeterias and other facilities.

This is the company’s first such initiative in Japan. It currently has collection boxes in about 120 stores as part of its policy of contributing to society and reducing food loss.

Operator Seven-Eleven Japan said the initiative kicked off Oct. 2 at stores in Saitama city after a trial run at some outlets that began in September 2022.

Accepted items include canned goods and instant foods that meet the following conditions: (1) unopened and with undamaged packaging (2) have at least two months of shelf life remaining, and (3) can be stored at room temperature.

Food items in the boxes will be collected on a regular basis by children’s cafeterias that are members of the Saitama city Children’s Cafeteria Network. The company plans to expand the program to other local networks in other municipalities.

A growing number of children are unable to enjoy a satisfying meal or are forced to eat alone due to impoverished circumstances or the fact that both parents are working.

Many children’s cafeterias offer a variety of learning exchange programs, including storytelling, learning support, music, and games, while offering meals.

Seven-Eleven Japan representatives visited Saitama Governor Motohiro Ohno on Oct. 19 to explain the outline of the program.

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