The number of canteens for disadvantaged children in Japan has exceeded 10,000

Children’s canteens (kodomo shokudô) are special services providing children from struggling families (poor, single-parent, etc.) with free or low-cost meals and safe meeting places throughout Japan, run by volunteers.

Results of a survey by Tokyo-based non-profit Musubie, which supports these initiatives, showed that the number of such canteens had exceeded 10,000 for the first time, reaching 10,866.

The increase reflects efforts by the central government and prefectures to create comfortable environments for children outside their homes and schools.

“I want to say thank you to all those who set up and support kodomo shokudô throughout the country,” Musubie leader Yuasa Makoto said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Yuasa Makoto, director of Musubie

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]