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On April 7, 2026, Hiroshima University held a free distribution event for 'imperfect' produce — fresh produce that does not meet retail standards for shape or size — for students at the Fukuyama-Tsuun-Komaru Nigiwai Pavilion on the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.
Jointly planned by Hiroshima University and the Hiroshima University Alumni Association Student Team, the initiative aims to help ease the financial burden on students affected by prolonged rising prices. By leveraging the university’s established network with local communities and agricultural stakeholders, the project explores sustainable forms of support by providing students with produce that would normally not enter the market.
To support the event, a crowdfunding campaign titled “Connecting Hiroshima Agriculture with Hiroshima University Students: Revitalizing the Community and Supporting Students through ‘Imperfect’ Produce” was held from October 27, 2025, to January 23, 2026. The campaign reached its initial fundraising goal of 3 million yen on January 9, 2026, and ultimately raised 3,766,700 yen from 145 supporters.
At this first distribution event funded by crowdfunding donations, five types of produce sourced through local buyers were distributed: tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, onions, and amanatsu, a Japanese citrus fruit. A total of 326 students attended after learning about the event through posters and social media announcements. Members of the Alumni Association Student Team personally welcomed each participant as they carefully handed out the produce.
Participants shared comments such as “This really helps” and “I’ll participate every month,” and the venue remained lively throughout the event.
The distribution events are scheduled to continue once or twice a month through around the middle of fiscal year 2027. Information about future events will be shared on the official Hiroshima University website, on notices posted at the university co-op cafeteria, and through the Alumni Association Student Team’s Instagram and other social media platforms.
Hiroshima University Alumni Association Student Team’s Instagram account
Hiroshima University Alumni Association Student Team’s Instagram account
Fukuyama-Tsuun-Komaru Nigiwai Pavilion, the event venue
Tomatoes distributed on the day of the event
Students waiting for the distribution to begin
Scenes from the distribution event
Alumni Association Student Team members who helped run the distribution event
Amanatsu distributed on the day of the event
Scenes from the distribution event
'Imperfect' produce and the Alumni Association Student Team
[Inquiries]
Hiroshima University Office of Funding
Hiroshima University Alumni Association
