As rice shortage hits donations, food banks urge politicians to tackle poverty
Food banks are struggling to secure rice and other food items to distribute to people in need as inflation has put a dent in donations.
With measures to fight inflation high on the agenda in the Upper House election, food bank officials are calling for steps to tackle poverty amid growing economic gaps and a rising number of people having difficulties making ends meet.
About 100 people waited in line in Tokyo's Sumida Park on June 15 to receive bento boxed meals with ingredients including donated food items.
"I feel that poverty is spreading," said Mitsuo Nakamura, a 74-year-old member of Asile, an association based in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward that distributed the meals. "Political parties should create places to listen to the voices of people in need."
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"Assistance helps because I live on welfare," said an unemployed man in his 50s who was among those in line. "I want tax money to be spent on those who are really in need."
An unemployed man in his 40s sought "policies that do not lead to higher prices" from candidates in the Upper House election.
Asile members started food bank operations in Kanto in 2000, providing about one ton of rice a month to cafeterias that serve needy children for free or at low prices and facilities for the elderly.
With donations decreasing since last autumn due to inflation, however, Asile was left with no rice at the end of March and was unable to distribute rice in April.
The group resumed rice deliveries in May thanks to donor support but still struggles amid shortages of the staple, Asile officials said.
According to a survey of food banks across Japan conducted in July last year by Food Bank Sendai, about 60% of 66 responding groups said that donations were on the decline due to rising prices in recent years.
Reduced rice donations were cited by some 70%, according to the nonprofit organization based in Miyagi Prefecture.
In fiscal 2024, the nonprofit organization provided support to a record of some 7,100 individuals, up about 40% from the previous year. At the same time, donations of rice have been insufficient.
For fiscal 2025, the group is receiving rice from the government's stockpiles for free under a program launched this spring but still expects shortages.
"More people than ever are having difficulty making ends meet," said Takahiro Kawakubo, 38, an executive of the group.
"Even a small price increase could be fatal to people in need," Kawakubo added, urging politicians to pay attention to poverty and take measures such as raising social security benefits.
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