[National Food Bank Promotion Council] Food donations to food banks nationwide are drastically decreasing!
National Food Bank Promotion Council Press release: September 30, 2024 Food donations to food banks across the country are drastically decreasing! We are stepping up food donations during October’s Food Loss Reduction Month
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124816/24/124816-24-291c688eeecd95610ee00ea284413738-581×480.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124816/24/124816-24-f1e0a1227782c73ea3b12f3c584a9b39-1091×460.png Source: Social Action Academy (2022) “Latest status of food bank organizations including the impact of high prices” P8
https://www.servicegrant.or.jp/news/10263/ Voices from food bank organizations across the country regarding the food shortage situation ・We donated food to 415 needy households just before the summer vacation in 2024, but due to a decrease in donated food and donations, the cardboard boxes became a little smaller. ・During the summer vacation, we increased the number of times we provided support to single-parent households and households in need, but due to the large number of households eligible for support, we were unable to provide support to some households due to the amount of donations. ・The number of applicants for the annual children’s support project increases each year, and on top of that, due to rising prices, the amount of food that can be provided is decreasing every year. ・Although donations are increasing, there are even more requests for support and there is not enough food. Applications for food pantries for single-parent families are also increasing. In particular, there are many requests for rice, and there is not enough rice ・Although the amount of donated food has only slightly decreased, some food items (rice, retort food, etc.) are not able to meet the needs of those who wish to donate, so we are purchasing them to make up for it. While the number of households in need of support is increasing, food donations to food banks are decreasing. To improve this situation, it is becoming increasingly important to promote food donations throughout society, and there is a need to make effective use of surplus food and strengthen the role of food banks as a food safety net. I am.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124816/24/124816-24-3889925fafc63b4aab88abcda0f6cea4-638×235.png Activities of member food bank organizations List of events and projects carried out by member food bank organizations during Food Loss Month ・Certified NPO Second Harvest Kyoto Person in charge: Masaaki Sawada (email address: m.sawada@2hkyoto.org / phone number: 075-601-2100) Project name: Kyoto Food Pantry Symposium Overview: In order to increase the number of organizations working on “food pantries” in the prefecture, we will make interested people aware of food pantry initiatives and help them understand how food donated to food-related companies is used and useful. spread. Flyer URL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qt2B70P5dxD1Xlx-rsdWKspuCBVtc-1d/view ・Certified NPO Food Bank Yamanashi Person in charge: Ayano Akiyama (email address: info@fbyama.com / phone number: 055-298-4844) Project name: 28th Food Drive Overview: From October 16th, we plan to collect food through a food drive with citizen participation during the “Food Drive Strengthening Period” and send it to the families of the citizens along with their feelings. In addition to requesting collection points from 15 locations within the prefecture, we will also call on schools, businesses, etc. to hold voluntary food drives and collect donations. Flyer URL:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZej08IYnr9VOzBoNJvksvNjoEN19gcN/view ・NPO Food Bank Fukuoka Person in charge: Mikiaki Iwasaki (email address: fbfukuoka@gmail.com / phone number: 092-710-3205) Project name: Food Drive Month Overview: In cooperation with Fukuoka City, we will hold and guide food drives to various companies and
organizations. Flyer URL:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12FVyBs_wYB4ef4Ocw0-ZatzpaPcX6kD8/view ・NPO Food Bank Komae Person in charge: Ken Tanaka (email address: info@fb-kome.org / phone number: 03-5497-0272) Project name
(overview): 1. “Towards a society that reduces and utilizes food loss” panel exhibition: Regional Center Festival, Komae City Hall Living Festa (Introducing the current situation of food loss and food bank activities.) 2. Local group exchange event connected through food bank activities: Food Bank Komae (A networking event will be held between organizations that donate food and organizations that utilize donated food provided by food banks to provide various types of local support.) ・NPO Food Bank Mitaka Person in charge: Sakiko Terashima (email address: foodbankmitaka@gmail.com / phone number:
090-5494-7949) Project name: Food drive at city hall Overview: A panel display will be held at City Hall and donations of surplus food from households will be accepted. ・NPO Food Bank Nara Person in charge: Rie Hirakawa (email address: foodbank.nara@gmail.com / phone number: 090-2286-4548) Project name: Food Drive Strengthening Month Overview: Many food drives will be held at supermarkets, schools, and community centers. What is a food bank? A food bank is a food bank that accepts donations from companies and other organizations of food that is safe to eat but cannot be distributed due to reasons such as damaged packaging, excess inventory, or near expiration dates, and provides the food free of charge to people in need. This is an activity to do. By donating surplus food to food banks, you can extend a warm helping hand to those in need of food.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124816/24/124816-24-4009b9ba8719a9bab55fcb9d0f89f580-1046×580.png Overall picture of food bank activities Examples of food that can be donated to food bank organizations through the National Food Bank Promotion Council: Foods with more than 2 months left before expiry date Foods that are safe to consume Food whose packaging is not damaged (some damage is not a problem) Overstocked products and seasonal foods Unopened room temperature products, refrigerated products, frozen products *We do not accept food donations from individuals. Examples of food that can be donated to food bank organizations: Foods that have more than 2 months of expiration date remaining (may vary depending on the product or organization) Foods that can be safely consumed Food whose packaging is not damaged (some damage is not a problem) Foods that are unopened and can be stored at room temperature (canned foods, dried foods, instant foods, etc.) Please contact your local food bank organization for more information. The National Food Bank Promotion Council is stepping up its call for food donations in preparation for Food Loss Reduction Month in October, in order to effectively utilize surplus food and strengthen support for households in need of food assistance. I am. The food you donate will be an important part of supporting the lives of many people. We look forward to your warm support. ■Contact information National Food Bank Promotion Council (General Incorporated
Association) [Person in charge] Tahara [TEL] 03-6912-9444 [Email] info@fb-kyougikai.net Activities: Policy advocacy activities, public relations activities, know-how support for food bank organizations, intermediation of food donations Mission: Create a society where no one has to worry about tomorrow’s meals URL:
https://www.fb-kyougikai.net/