Rising Living Costs Increase Household Burden During Summer Break Without School Meals

The National Food Bank Promotion Council (headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroaki Yoneyama) will implement the '11th National Food Bank Children Support Project' from July 1 to August 31, 2026, in collaboration with its nationwide network of affiliated food bank organizations, to support economically disadvantaged families with children during the summer vacation when school meals are unavailable.

Due to prolonged inflation, food banks across Japan are receiving increasing requests for food assistance from households facing financial hardship. At the same time, food donation volumes are declining, resulting in situations where necessary support cannot be fully delivered. In response, this project aims to provide intensive food support to 50,000 households nationwide with children in need.

■ What is the 'National Food Bank Children Support Project'?

The 'National Food Bank Children Support Project' is a collaborative initiative between the National Food Bank Promotion Council and its affiliated food bank organizations. The project aims to identify and support disadvantaged families with children at an early stage—families that have previously been difficult to reach—and to expand food assistance activities nationwide. Local food bank organizations work in partnership with local governments, social welfare councils, and educational institutions such as elementary and junior high schools to provide intensive food support during school breaks when meals are not provided.

※ National Food Bank Children Support Project (National Food Bank Promotion Council)

■ Project Overview

Name: 11th National Food Bank Children Support Project

Implementation Period: July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026

Support Target: 50,000 households nationwide

Activities: Intensive food assistance for economically disadvantaged families with children during the summer vacation when school meals are unavailable.

■ Background

Japan's child poverty rate stands at 11.5%, meaning one in nine children lives in poverty. The poverty rate among single-parent households reaches 44.5%, indicating that many families face severe economic hardship.

During summer vacation, school meals are suspended, significantly increasing food expenses for families that rely on them for daily nutrition. Additionally, with children spending more time at home, utility costs also rise, further deepening the financial burden on households.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the National Food Bank Promotion Council among its member organizations revealed that over 80% have seen an increase in assistance requests from struggling households. Approximately 60% reported a decline in food donations, leading to an ongoing gap between rising needs and available support. (Figure 1)

■ Largest-Scale Support Effort to Date

This project will be carried out through collaboration between local food banks, government agencies, social welfare councils, and schools to identify families in need. Over the past 10 implementations, the project has supported over 300,000 households cumulatively. The 10th project supported 47,120 households, making the current target of 50,000 households the largest scale yet.

■ Need for Strengthening Food Bank Operational Infrastructure

Despite rising demand, Japan's food banks handle approximately 16,000 tons of food annually. In contrast, food banks in the United States handle 7.39 million tons per year—about 460 times more than Japan.

Domestic food banks face shortages in equipment and personnel required for food storage, transportation, and distribution, making it difficult to deliver sufficient food to those in need. The National Food Bank Promotion Council believes that public support is essential to strengthen the organizational foundation of food banks so they can function as social infrastructure that simultaneously reduces food waste and supports vulnerable households.

■ Call for Support

The success of this project depends on food donations and financial contributions from corporations, organizations, and individuals. We kindly request your cooperation to ensure food reaches children in need.

【Organization Overview】

Organization Name: National Food Bank Promotion Council (a general incorporated association)

Address: Tobata Building 7F, 1-8-17 Kitashinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0074

TEL: 03-6912-9444

Representative Director: Hiroaki Yoneyama

Established: November 13, 2015

URL: https://www.fb-kyougikai.net/

Activities: Policy advocacy, public relations, know-how support for food bank organizations, and facilitation of food donations

Mission: To create a society where no one worries about their next meal

Contact: Kobayashi (03-6912-9444)