Chisato ShizumeLawson Inc., a major convenience store chain in Japan, announced the company will donate part of its surplus food to Zenkoku Food Bank Suishin Kyougikai (All Japan Food Bank Promotion Council) starting August 5.
Surplus food donation by a large corporation such as Lawson is expected to play a part in fighting food waste and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Donated food will be sent to children canteens, children’s nursing homes and welfare facilities for the disabled across the nation through food banks that are members of the promotion council.
Food bank started in U.S. in 1967, and now over 200 groups are actively collecting surplus food and redistributing them for those in need. In Japan, the first food bank was established around 2000. However, its food waste issue did not draw public attention domestically, so the country’s effort lag behind those of U.S. and European nations.
The inspiring announcement by Lawson may create a stir in the public awareness on the importance of reducing food waste. Over 6.46 million tons of edible food are discarded annually in Japan, including 3.57 million tons from food industry and remaining 2.89 million from households. This is a fact that cannot be ignored.
Despite wasting such amount of food, child poverty is now becoming severe in this country. The government is preparing for the first national survey of child poverty in fiscal 2020 to assess child poverty and other issues related to children’s well being. It’s becoming an urgent social concern that cannot be overlooked.
Lawson’s decision to donate its merchandise that are still safe for consumption may well contribute to providing nutritious food for children in need. Children canteens provide local youths food at no cost nationwide. Some even offer English lessons taught by volunteers along with the free meal, since economic disparity has great influence on the level of children’s education. The important thing is, much of these canteens depend on food banks to prepare complimentary meals. Therefore, it is indispensable to stably supply food to these banks.
Providing food for children with malnutrition is imperative, but also for those whose families work late. The latter need a safe place to stay, with reliable grown-ups to talk to. Cost-free services are sure to attract them. Access to free food and space may save children from delinquency too, since a lack of care is a sufficient reason for juvenile delinquency besides poverty.
Thus, recycling surplus food serve a dual purpose: reducing food waste and improving children’s well being. More convenience store chains and food retailers are expected to join in to work on these issues too in the days to come.
