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Food Bank Japan
Apparently, no one needs emergency groceries or a hot meal tonight in Tokyo. Incredibly, in the largest city in the world there are no soup kitchens or food pantries where one can obtain emergency food. Traditionally, churches have set aside space for non-perishable products to be distributed to those in need, such as families; however, not in Japan. There is a persistent myth inside and outside the church that hunger is still somewhere in a distant, far-off place and could never exist here in Japan. Those who are hungry have chosen either to not work or get help. Read: not deserving of help. How else would one explain these startling facts: each day over 6000 tons of food goes to waste in Tokyo alone while a conservative estimate of 100,000 people lack food security nation-wide? At the same time, Food Bank Japan struggles to keep its doors open with donations largely from foreign churches and foreign companies. It can no longer afford even one paid staff and must now rely totally on volunteers to collect and distribute food. During the period of April I to October 15 Food Bank Japan distributed over 46 tons of food to more than 40 different agencies such as orphanages, group homes, emergency shelters for women and their children, a free clinic, a hospice, an alcohol rehab center, agencies that serve migrant workers, single mothers, and the elderly. In addition, they deliver food directly to the homeless each week. Currently, only two companies (both foreign) regularly donate: Costco Wholesale and Heinz Japan. While many companies have been approached, none have even bothered to investigate the benefits of food banking. "Unlike other charities, we actually make money for companies by saving them the cost of disposal. Yet in spite of this companies say it is easier to just throw the food away," reports Charles McJilton, executive director of Food Bank Japan. Not only does it make good sense for business, but also those who make cash donations can see their support multiplied. "AIOOO donatron wlll delrver 12,000 of groceries. Not too bad return on one's investment," points out McJilton. @@@The food bank faces two major obstacles: funding and public awareness that the Food Bank exists. "We believe that there are many people out there who would support us if they knew we existed. But more than that, there are many others who could benefit from food banking but are not aware we exist. We are working to change that," reports McJilton. For more information . . . FoodBankJapan@aol.com http://www. jca.apc.org/ncc-j/
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