Did you know that many children are starving not because they are poor but because their parents come back late from work? Did you know that according to Statistics Canada, about 1.15 million children, which means one in six children, are experiencing food poverty, and the number is still increasing? Despite these facts, according to the UN report, we waste seventeen percent of food we produce yearly, which equals about 931 million tonnes.

To change the situation, various strategies have been introduced for decades. Although, today I would like to introduce this new movement in Japan called “Children Cafeteria.” This cafeteria offers free or inexpensive food not only to children suffering from food poverty but also to any children and parents who are hungry. It is supported by public financial aid and held anywhere they can, from the local cafeteria to even at some convenience stores. Furthermore, as these cafeterias are managed by local volunteers and from local food donations, it creates a place for communication and comfort in the local community. It also contributes to consuming wrong-shaped food from being wasted. I believe this easy- accesses cafeteria is very helpful to any family since it conceals their financial poverty and helps them create new relationships on which they can rely.

Moreover, referring to my experience of four years living outside of Japan,  I believe this cafeteria is becoming a significant movement in Japan compared to other counties. This is because Japan is a relatively safe country with a small land area for its vast population, making it easy to create close communities. Therefore, I predict it will be challenging to do the exact same thing in Vancouver. What do you think about my opinion, and to international students reading this, do you think you can introduce this cafeteria in your home country?

I am looking forward to your opinions.

References

https://canadianfeedthechildren.ca/the-feed/why-food-insecurity/

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/03/global-food-waste-solutions/#:~:text=1%20Around%20931%20million%20tonnes%20of%20food%20goes,could%20have%20social%2C%20economic%20and%20environmental%20benefits.%20%E3%81%9D%E3%81%AE%E4%BB%96%E3%81%AE%E3%82%A2%E3%82%A4%E3%83%86%E3%83%A0

https://www.nhk.or.jp/dwc/food/articles/173.html                <- more information about Children Cafeteria

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/unep-food-waste-index-report-2021