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A fisherman supplier for SmartFish in Mexico

Social enterprises driving global change on World Food Day

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day highlights important topics such as food waste, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the challenges faced by fishing communities — all in an effort to combat climate change. This year's theme is "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”. It's the perfect opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of social entrepreneurs, who are making everyday life better for so many people and how they're creating a more sustainable and inclusive world.

Photograph of a man wearing a navy blue shirt and cap working with rice in a traditional setting. Wooden barrels wrapped in plastic are stacked against a brick wall in the background.​

HIDEKAWA

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Strengthens rural communities in Taiwan by promoting locally grown soybeans, supporting small farmers, and investing in opportunities for vulnerable youth.

Although soybeans are a key part of many daily meals in Taiwan, almost all (about 99.8%) of them are imported, making it hard for local farmers to compete with cheaper imports. At the same time, populations in rural areas across the country are shrinking as young people move to cities, and children from vulnerable families often miss out on the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

HIDEKAWA was founded in 2015 as part of The CAN, a social enterprise in Sanxia, New Taipei City. The company started with the goal of revitalising the local community and has grown into a food business that showcases Taiwanese agriculture. By working directly with local soybean farmers, HIDEKAWA supports a market for 100% Taiwanese-grown, non-GMO soybeans and makes healthy foods like fresh soy milk, tofu, miso, soy sauce, fermented tofu, and other traditional soy products. All their products are fully traceable and made using traditional methods that honours local food culture.

For HIDEKAWA, soybeans are more than just food. They help connect people, communities, and the land. Soybeans need about half as much water as rice and add nitrogen to the soil, which helps keep farms healthy and supports sustainable agriculture. By choosing to buy only from Taiwanese farmers, HIDEKAWA creates steady demand for local crops and reduces the environmental impact of importing soybeans from far away.

The company also helps create more opportunities for farmers and people living in the Sanxia area. Revenue from the business supports Grass Book House, a community programme that offers free after-school care, tutoring, job training, and mentoring for young people from vulnerable families. This support gives them access to learning, practical skills, and positive role models who can help change their lives.

HIDEKAWA plans to increase production, create more local jobs, and bring Taiwanese-grown soy products to more people across the country. By focusing on food, education, and community development, the company shows how a single crop can help build a stronger and more resilient future for Taiwan.

Programme support

Through JIABA, we’ll support HIDEKAWA in preparing for the next stage of scaling. The organisation aims to grow its reach while ensuring that support for local farmers, rural communities and vulnerable young people remains at the heart of its work.