Summer vacation presents a greater challenge in securing meals for single-parent households facing economic hardship. With school lunches unavailable, the burden of food costs increases at home, leading to tighter budgets and making it difficult for some families to obtain adequate nutrition.

Good Neighbors Japan (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tomo Koizumi), a certified NPO, operates the food bank "Good Gohan" as part of its child poverty reduction initiatives in Japan, distributing food to low-income single-parent households.

To address the rising need during the summer vacation period, we are intensifying our recruitment of volunteers to support our food distribution activities in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kansai region, and Kyushu.

Food Challenges Highlighted During Summer Vacation

A survey [1] conducted by Good Neighbors Japan among low-income single-parent households using "Good Gohan" revealed that the number of children eating two meals or fewer per day approximately triples during long school breaks compared to when school is in session.

Children's Typical Number of Meals Per Day

Respondents have shared concerns such as, "It's hard to afford nutritious items like meat, fish, and vegetables, so we end up relying on inexpensive carbohydrates to fill up, which worries me about their nutritional status." This highlights the difficulties faced in terms of meals during extended school breaks.

Intensifying Volunteer Recruitment to Expand Support

In response to these challenges, Good Neighbors Japan plans to implement a special initiative this summer to expand food distribution in July and August.

Specifically, we will:

- Increase the amount of rice distributed by 2.5 times the usual, providing 5kg per household. - Enhance the distribution of meat and fish, considering nutritional balance. - Distribute items like frozen fruits to bring a sense of summer.

We are preparing for these initiatives.

This special distribution will involve a larger volume of food than usual, making the support of volunteers for sorting and distribution tasks even more crucial.

Food Distribution Examples for "Good Gohan" Food Bank During This Summer Vacation (Note: Actual distributed items may differ from the photos)

Volunteer Recruitment Overview

□ Volunteer Activities

Volunteer activities are broadly divided into two types: 1 In-person food distribution and 2 Warehouse work.

1 Food Distribution: On distribution days, volunteers will be responsible for preparing food, managing reception, and assisting with distribution.

2 Warehouse Work: Volunteers will be responsible for receiving, organizing, and preparing food at the warehouse for the current month's distribution.

- Details of tasks will vary depending on the distribution date and location.

- We are continuously recruiting volunteers outside of the summer vacation period as well.

- You can view scenes from our work and interviews with volunteers on the official "Good Gohan" Instagram page.

"Good Gohan" Volunteer Work Details (for Food Distribution Support)

□ Participation

No prior experience is necessary. No special qualifications or skills are required.

Participants must be junior high school age or older. Those under 18 years of age will require a parental consent form. Details will be provided upon confirmation of application.

Junior high school students may participate with a guardian.

Volunteer participation certificates can be issued, which can be utilized for company volunteer leave programs.

□ Activity Dates and Locations

Monthly activity schedules are updated on our website. Please refer to the URL below for detailed recruitment status.

<Tokyo Metropolitan Area> https://www.gnjp.org/work/domestic/gohanvolunteer/#t

<Kansai Region> https://www.gnjp.org/work/domestic/gohanvolunteer/#o

<Kyushu Region> https://www.gnjp.org/work/domestic/gohanvolunteer/#k

□ How to Apply

1. Please check the activity details and dates on the website above.

2. Please apply via the form below by 5:00 PM the day before your desired participation date.

- For first-time participants: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerGefWChBdRvtRTfP-UuJSZu9sUwmlRyzlIbrEAzm8B9JyAQ/viewform

- For participants who have joined before: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4ejv6KeN5M1OkLG2MwH0dT4aDLiMqtQ2H-ieSaXyoyBS9AA/viewform

*Each date will close once the capacity (1-5 people/day) is reached.

*Participation dates and times may be adjusted based on the availability of other volunteers.

If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt from our organization within 3 business days of submitting the application form, or if you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email.

- Phone: 0120-916-010 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Voice guidance "Good Gohan"

- Email: [email protected]

□ Compensation

- Unpaid

- Volunteer insurance coverage (covered by our organization)

[About Volunteer Insurance]

Registered volunteers are covered by the comprehensive NPO activity insurance for which our organization holds a corporate contract (covered by our organization). This insurance comprehensively covers liability for damages borne by the NPO organization and individual members, as well as injuries sustained by members during activities.

Insurance Type: NPO Liability Insurance / NPO Accident Insurance (Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd.)

Voices from Volunteers

Comments from those who have participated in "Good Gohan" volunteer activities:

"It's very easy to participate because I can choose the dates and locations according to my schedule. Cooperating with various staff members and volunteers at different venues for distribution activities is very rewarding and provides a fulfilling time. Also, seeing children and parents delighted with snacks and treats makes me happy too."

"Through my volunteer work with Good Gohan, I became aware of the reality of 'food insecurity' in our local community. The time spent volunteering here directly contributes to the meals on someone's table."

"I enjoy it because it involves a moderate amount of physical activity, and I feel like I'm contributing even a little. Hearing 'Thank you!' from users as they leave makes me very happy."

Voices from Households Using "Good Gohan"

Comments from households that have received food from "Good Gohan":

"Thank you always so much. The warm words of encouragement from the volunteers during distribution are also a source of encouragement for me every month."

"My child looks forward to Good Gohan day every month. Seeing them come along with a happy smile makes me happy too."

"There are times when I feel lonely, but receiving this kind of support warms my heart and gives me the motivation to keep going...! I am supported not only by the kindness of the goods but also by the people who support me and care about me."

This summer vacation, please lend us your strength to protect the dining tables of children.

We look forward to your applications.

[1] Certified NPO Good Neighbors Japan, "Survey on the Incidence of Children Eating Alone During Long School Breaks in Single-Parent Households" (Conducted June 2026)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000141.000005375.html

<Request Regarding Citation and Reference of Survey Results>

When citing or referencing our survey results, please clearly state "Certified NPO Good Neighbors Japan" as the source.

Furthermore, this survey was conducted targeting low-income single-parent households using Good Neighbors Japan's food bank service "Good Gohan," and does not represent data for all single-parent households in Japan. Therefore, when citing or referencing these survey results, please ensure that the scope of the survey is clearly communicated.

---

About the Organization

Good Neighbors Japan, a Specified Non-Profit Organization, was established in 2004 as a member of the international organization Good Neighbors International. We aim for "a society where children's smiles abound and everyone can live with dignity," and provide support for children both domestically and internationally. We are certified as a "Certified NPO" by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, an organization of high public interest.

Official Website: https://www.gnjp.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gnjapan

X: https://x.com/GNJapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gn_japan/

What is "Good Gohan," a Food Bank for Single-Parent Households?

"Good Gohan" is a service that distributes food free of charge every month to single-parent households who hold a medical expense recipient certificate for single-parent households and whose income is below the income limit. Since the service began in September 2017, we have distributed food to over 170,000 households cumulatively*.

At approximately 30-40 distribution points* in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kansai region, and Kyushu, we distribute a basket of food worth about ¥10,000, including rice, seasonings, retort pouches, and snacks, collected through donations from corporations and individuals, to single-parent households.

*As of December 2025 (number of distribution points varies monthly)

https://www.gnjp.org/work/domestic/gohan/

*Food is typically distributed to those who can pick it up directly at the distribution points.

*Those receiving public assistance are not eligible.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 社会貢献