#Japan #Tokyo #Food Bank #child poverty #nutrition support

A Lifeline During the Summer Break: Food Bank Children’s Support Project

As summer approaches, families with children face a pressing issue: the absence of school lunches that are often a critical source of nutrition for many. The General Incorporated Association of Food Bank Promotion Council, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, along with 49 affiliated food bank organizations, is stepping up to address this dire need through the ambitious 9th Food Bank Children's Support Nationwide Project. This effort, running from July 1 to August 31, 2025, aims to provide focused food assistance to 45,000 underprivileged households with children.

The Project Overview

The Food Bank Children's Support Project is a collaborative initiative involving various food bank organizations across Japan. The aim is to proactively identify and assist struggling families with children, especially through the long school breaks. The project strengthens cooperation with local governments, social welfare councils, and educational institutions to ensure that food support reaches those who need it the most during these critical times.

Background of the Initiative

Japan's child poverty rate currently stands at 11.5%, indicating that one in nine children lives in poverty. Alarmingly, children from single-parent households face an even higher poverty rate of 44.5%. For many underprivileged families, school lunches represent the only reliable nutritional source during weekdays, making the summer months particularly challenging when these meals are no longer available.

As children stay at home, not only do families face the burden of food costs rising, but utility expenses also increase, putting more pressure on already strained household budgets. Unfortunately, local food banks are struggling to meet the growing demand for food assistance. A survey conducted by our organization revealed that while over 80% of respondents reported an increase in requests for food aid, 60% noted a decrease in food donations.

Historical Support Data and Challenges

Looking back, the previous iterations of this project show a progressively growing outreach, with the number of families supported consistently increasing:

• - 1st Edition: 14,011 families
• - 2nd Edition: 10,659 families
• - 3rd Edition: 17,675 families
• - 4th Edition: 28,565 families
• - 5th Edition: 38,549 families
• - 6th Edition: 38,317 families
• - 7th Edition: 41,433 families
• - 8th Edition: 36,756 families

Despite these efforts, a significant gap persists in adequately covering the needs of all families requiring aid. As highlighted in our findings, a stark contrast exists between the increasing societal needs amidst rising prices and the declining volume of food donations received by food banks. In comparison, U.S. food banks handle around 7.39 million tons of produce annually, vastly overshadowing Japan’s 16,000 tons. This disparity underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements and increased support for food banks in Japan.

A Call for Support

The success of the 9th Food Bank Children's Support Nationwide Project significantly hinges on collaboration with various businesses, organizations, and individuals willing to donate food or contribute funds. Ensuring that underprivileged families receive adequate assistance is a shared responsibility, and we appeal to the broader public for their support.

For more information about the organization facilitating this initiative:

• - Name: General Incorporated Association of Food Bank Promotion Council
• - Location: 1-8-17 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 7F,
• - Contact: 03-6912-9444
• - Website: fb-kyougikai.net
• - Established: November 13, 2015

Let’s work together to create a society where no one has to struggle for their next meal, especially children.