Seminar for 4th Graders to High Schoolers in Yokohama on August 23 (Sun): "If Today's Meals Were No Longer a Given: What Can I Do? Let's Think Together"

The United Nations World Food Programme Association (WFP Association) (Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Chairman: Hiroki Ando, hereinafter referred to as the WFP Association) will hold a seminar for elementary school 4th graders to high school students titled "If Today's Meals Were No Longer a Given: What Can I Do? Let's Think Together" on August 23 (Sun) at the "Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama" in Yokohama City.

Seminar Overview

Due to the prolonged effects of conflict, natural disasters, and climate change, many children worldwide suffer from malnutrition. To solve this problem, the UN WFP implements school feeding programs.

This seminar is an opportunity to learn about these support activities, targeting elementary school 4th graders to high school students. During the summer break, why not learn about the malnutrition status of children in developing countries and the support measures provided by the UN WFP, and think together about what each of us can do? We look forward to many participants.

Last Year's Event

Seminar Title

If Today's Meals Were No Longer a Given: What Can I Do? Let's Think Together

Lecturers

WFP Association Staff, Volunteers

Structure

1. Lecture

Learn about hunger issues and the UN WFP's support measures for malnourished children in developing countries.

2. Simulation Experience

Work together in groups to consider how the UN WFP can support children in a fictional village.

3. Presentation

Based on points 1 and 2, share opinions with everyone and present what you can do yourself and your thoughts.

Date and Time

August 23, 2026 (Sun)

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Elementary School Division, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Junior High and High School Division

Venue

"Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama" (2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Target Audience

Elementary school 4th graders to high school students (40 participants per session, first-come, first-served basis)

*Parental accompaniment is permitted.

Recommended for:

- Those who want to learn about supporting children suffering from hunger and malnutrition and what they can do.

- Those looking for a theme for their summer homework or wanting to create memories.

Application

https://forms.office.com/r/91BR44xMZy

Deadline: August 21 (Fri) 4:00 PM

*Applicants will receive separate instructions from the secretariat.

[Reference] Voices from Past Participants

- It gave me a chance to reconsider the importance of meals. I learned a lot about the UN WFP, how food is delivered, and hunger (Elementary School Student).

- The lecture was easy to understand, and I was able to experience a workshop on preparing school lunches, which made it feel more relatable. I learned about the UN WFP (High School Student).

WFP Charity Essay Contest 2026

By writing and submitting an essay, you can help deliver school lunches to two children in developing countries through the "WFP Charity Essay Contest 2026." This project allows students to easily provide support by expressing their thoughts from the seminar in an essay.

Theme

If Today's Meals Were No Longer a Given (200-800 characters)

Deadline

June 10, 2026 (Wed) - September 25, 2026 (Fri); September 30, 2026 (Wed) for website applications.

Target Audience

Elementary school 4th graders and up

Impact

One essay submission can provide school lunches for two children (60 yen) in developing countries.

Award Benefits

Winning schools and works will be publicized, and certificates and prizes will be awarded, along with an invitation to an awards ceremony. Works will be exhibited.

[Last Year's Event]

- Winning Entries: https://www.wfpessay.jp/2025/result.html

- Awards Ceremony: https://www.wfpessay.jp/2025/ceremony_img.html

Judges

Special Judges: Funassyi, Alice Hirose, Keiko Takeshita, Marius Yo

Chief Judge: Jun Hori

Website

https://www.wfpessay.jp/2026/

Reference

Information Brochure/Learning Sheet: https://ja.wfp.org/publications/wfpessaycontest2026

*Contains information and video URLs about hunger and school feeding programs, allowing for quick learning. Please use this to read and then express your own thoughts in an essay.

● UN WFP School Feeding Program

The UN WFP provided school lunches to 19.3 million children in schools in developing countries in 2025. By providing nutritious school lunches, parents are encouraged to send their children to school, and children can concentrate on their studies without suffering from hunger. It also encourages school attendance for girls who may have fewer opportunities to attend school, contributing to the advancement of women's rights. A donation of approximately 30 yen can provide a school lunch for one child.

[WFP - World Food Programme (UN WFP)]

The UN's sole food aid organization, working towards a world free from hunger. In 2025, it delivered food to 121 million people. It provides emergency assistance during conflicts and natural disasters, as well as development assistance to support people in the long term. It received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

● Certified NPO Corporation United Nations WFP Association

This is a certified NPO that supports the UN WFP and serves as the official private support window for the UN WFP in Japan. It engages in fundraising, corporate/organizational partnerships, and public relations activities. It received the Foreign Minister's Commendation in 2024.