Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. launched the “Smiles & Health for Children” school meal support program in mountainous areas of Vietnam. In addition to developing facilities, the company is providing nutrition education and health assessments and promoting initiatives that encourage communities to become self-sustaining.
Against the backdrop of its overseas expansion, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. launched a school meal support program to address health and nutrition issues affecting children in mountainous areas. The initiative began in May 2023 after the company recognised regional disparities in Vietnam. Rather than simply delivering products, it aims to help create a local food and health environment.
The program combines improvements to physical infrastructure, including school meal facilities and dining areas, with non-physical support such as nutrition and hygiene education for teachers and parents, children's health assessments, vegetable garden support and post-support monitoring. Its aim is to create a system that communities can continue to operate independently.
This has led to new initiatives by local communities, including the installation of solar panels, the provision of land and the addition of ingredients, forming a model aimed at building a sustainable school meal environment.
Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. has made “food and well-being” a goal of its Medium- to Long-Term Plan 2030 and is promoting initiatives that link the resolution of social issues through Vietnam with the social value of its business.