Food Support for Single-Parent Households: Launching the "2026 Summer Vacation Children Support Project" Ahead of School Break Without School Meals

Certified NPO Food Bank Shonan (headquartered in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Megumi Oseki) will launch an expanded food assistance project for single-parent households and others in Hiratsuka City and surrounding areas during the summer vacation period, the "2026 Summer Vacation Children Support Project," starting July 9, 2026.

Challenges Regarding Children's Diets During Summer Vacation

A survey on children's meal conditions during summer vacation revealed that 60% of households reduced the amount or frequency of meals for their children due to financial reasons (13% for "five or more days per week," 16% for "three to four days per week," and 29% for "one to two days per week")*1. The absence of school lunches during summer vacation increases household food expenses, highlighting ongoing challenges in children's nutritional intake. This project aims to provide intensive food support during extended school breaks when school meals are unavailable, thereby supporting families facing economic hardship.

*1 Certified NPO Kids Door: Certified NPO Kids Door 2025 Post-Summer Vacation Survey

Background and Objectives of the Project

Since 2021, Food Bank Shonan has implemented this project during long school breaks, distributing food packages tailored to family circumstances and sizes, along with treat bags (large paper bags) for children. In the 2025 fiscal year, the project delivered food and snacks to a total of 593 households, supporting approximately 980 children across summer, winter, and spring breaks.

Project Details

Target beneficiaries include single-parent households already receiving ongoing support from our organization, as well as households referred by government agencies or other partners in need of assistance.

Support package: In addition to regular food distributions, we will provide meal kits containing ready-to-eat retort foods and other items that children can easily prepare themselves (planned for approximately 200 households), along with one snack bag per child.

Implementation period: Distribution to begin sequentially starting July 9, 2026.

Appeal for Support (Donation Campaign)

To cover the costs of food purchases required for this project, we are currently accepting donations from June 9 through July 31, 2026.

• For more information about support and the project, visit:

Donors will receive a project outcome report around October 2026 via our website and our newsletter "Food Bank Shonan Newsletter October Issue" (company names will be listed; individual names only if explicitly requested).

About Certified NPO Food Bank Shonan

Certified NPO Food Bank Shonan is a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food waste and address poverty. We serve as a "food safety net" by delivering donated food from businesses, farmers, and local residents free of charge to single-parent families, child welfare facilities, and children's cafeterias in need. We aim to deepen partnerships with companies and organizations that share our vision and promote community-wide support systems.

Postal Code 254-0024 1-10 Mairi Honcho, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

HP: https://foodbank-shonan.com/