Japanese retailer FamilyMart Co. plans to use so-called citizens funds to financially support food producers hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami, according to officials of the convenience store chain.
In cooperation with Music Securities Inc., a Tokyo-based venture handling more than 20 small-lot funds, FamilyMart will solicit small-lot investments from consumers, provide invested funds to disaster-hit food companies and farmers, and sell their products at its outlets.
(Source: The Japan Times Online)