[New Project] Launch of 'Tsunagaru Pantry' to Support Young People Living Alone Through Food. Monthly Food Pantry to be Held at Chiba Youth Center PRISM

General Incorporated Association Spice (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; Representative Directors: Hinano Gunji, Hitomi Komaki) is an organization established in Chiba City by two graduate students specializing in education from Chiba University. With the vision of "realizing a society where all people can live easily," they operate "Chiba Youth Center PRISM," a place where children and young people can gather. (https://chiba-prism.org/)

New Project: About 'Tsunagaru Pantry'

【Background of Implementation】

Chiba Youth Center PRISM is open approximately 10 days a month, with about 10 to 15 young people visiting daily. Young people spend their time bringing their "things they want to try," such as planning events, conversing with youth workers (staff), or immersing themselves in games.

Amidst this, the number of young people living alone has increased. From young people who have left their hometowns to live alone for higher education, or those who have advanced to higher education or employment using scholarships, voices are being heard such as, "Today I'm barely getting by with just cabbage," "I'm almost at payday for my part-time job, but there's nothing to eat at home," and "I'm surviving on one meal a day."

It has gradually become clear that their living situations are not always sufficient due to the impact of rising prices.

In response to these voices from young people, the food pantry "Tsunagaru Pantry" has been launched as a new project, with support from the WAM Grant (Social Welfare Promotion Grant Project).

【Details of Tsunagaru Pantry】

《Scheduled Implementation Dates》

・1st Session: May 15, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・2nd Session: June 19, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・3rd Session: July 17, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・4th Session: August 14, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・5th Session: September 18, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・6th Session: October 16, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・7th Session: November 20, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・8th Session: December 18, 2026 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・9th Session: January 15, 2027 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・10th Session: February 19, 2027 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

・11th Session: March 19, 2027 (Friday) 16:00〜19:00

*Dates are subject to change. Please check Chiba Youth Center PRISM's Instagram for the latest information.

《Items Provided》

Rice, packed rice, retort foods, seasonings, pasta, pasta sauce, instant noodles, etc. These are prepared based on requests from young people.

Rice, packed rice, retort foods, seasonings, pasta, pasta sauce, instant noodles, etc. Based on requests from young people, we prepare daily necessities in addition to food items.

《How to Use》

Follow Chiba Youth Center PRISM's Instagram or official LINE account, and show the follow screen to a youth worker (staff) upon arrival to use the service.

・Instagram: @chiba.prism (https://www.instagram.com/chiba.prism/) ・Official LINE: @343trazi (https://page.line.me/343trazi)

《Target Audience》

University students, vocational school students, graduate students, and working adults in their teens and twenties living alone.

《Usage Fee》

Free

《Inquiries for Donations and Volunteers》

Accepted from one week before the food pantry implementation date until the day before. Please ensure items are within their consumption or best-before dates. Please contact us by email in advance regarding items you wish to donate.

【Contact Information】 Email: [email protected] *Please include "About Food Pantry Project" in the subject line when inquiring.

《Media Coverage》

We welcome media inquiries. Please include your desired content, media name, etc., in the subject line and contact us by email.

【Contact Information】 Email: [email protected] *Please include "About Food Pantry Project Media Coverage" in the subject line when inquiring.

What is Chiba Youth Center "PRISM"?

Chiba Youth Center PRISM

Chiba Youth Center PRISM, a base of activity to support the "things they want to try" of children and young people aged 10s and 20s living in Chiba Prefecture, opened in September 2024. Children and young people in their teens and twenties, such as junior high school students, high school students, and university students, gather at PRISM and spend their time as they wish. Local companies and donor members