NEWSupport for Children’s Cafeteria (Report on Food Drive at the Fuchu Technology Center)

As part of its social contribution activities, Tokyo Electron (TEL) conducted a second food drive in Fuchu City over three days from November 27 to 29 at the Fuchu Technology Center. TEL made matching gift donations to the Icchan-chi Children’s Cafeteria (Sumiyoshi-cho, Fuchu City) to support the activities of the children’s cafeteria. TEL received a report from the children’s cafeteria on the following initiatives they conducted.

1.Children’s cafeterias
They operated children’s cafeterias twice a month in two locations (Nishifu-cho and Sumiyoshi-cho) for serving around 15 people per cafeteria.
Last year, 111 children and 81 adults in Nishifu-cho and 128 children and 109 adults in Sumiyoshi-cho used the cafeterias.

2.Food Pantry* activities during children’s summer and winter vacations
The food donated from TEL and ingredients purchased with donated money from TEL were distributed to 69 households in need.

3.Free distribution of boxed lunches
Boxed lunches for children were distributed free of charge over summer vacation and other breaks when school lunches are not available (around 35 meals per day; a total of 716 meals over summer and winter vacations and spring break).

The operator of the cafeterias commented as follows.
“Until now, we often provided food items in our Food Pantry activities before summer vacation, but using the grant from Tokyo Electron, we were able to increase our offerings to include snacks, juice beverages , and other food products that children like.
In addition, at the time of the boxed lunch distribution during summer vacation, we also had an origami instructor participate so that children can play with origami after eating their lunches in the cafeteria. While it was only a fleeting moment in summer vacation, we believe it offered a place for children to play with origami and relax.
After hearing from many people that times were hard with rising prices for rice and other ingredients in or after October, we decided to conduct an additional Food Pantry activity in December. We are very grateful that the grant allowed us to respond to the requests of child-rearing families and provide necessary support.”

TEL will continue activities rooted in the local community.

* An activity where food collected during a food drive is managed, sorted, and distributed free of charge to those in need