Eateries providing free or low-cost meals for children sought to address child poverty when they first started popping up more than a decade ago.

The initiative bore abundant fruit as they evolved to serve a broader range of purposes, including promoting the health of elderly people, fostering community engagement and preventing child abuse.

According to a recent survey, the number of eateries providing free or low-cost meals for children in need has surpassed 10,000 nationwide.

Typically called “kodomo shokudo,” or children’s cafeteria, these community kitchens have become integral parts of many neighborhoods, serving as safe spaces for people of all ages.

The total number of children’s cafeterias hit a record high of 10,866 this fiscal year.

This surpassed the number of public junior high schools in Japan, which is about 9,300, according to a survey released on Dec. 11 by Musubie, a nonprofit organization supporting such meal programs.

These diners are run by various operators, including individuals, businesses and nonprofits, often with support from government subsidies and donations.

The first such program was launched in Tokyo’s Ota Ward in 2012 by a local produce shop operator who began serving free meals to children.

Today, 70 percent of these community kitchens reported having no restrictions based on age or other factors.

Musubie’s goal is for every elementary school district--approximately 18,000 nationwide--to have at least one children’s cafeteria.

Currently, the national average of public elementary schools with a children’s cafeteria within their district is 34.66 percent.

However, there is a wide disparity among prefectures, ranging from 10 to 60 percent, depending on local government funding and the level of community support.

Makoto Yuasa, who heads Musubie, emphasizes that these meal programs have become multigenerational hubs within the communities.

"In a society where it is increasingly difficult to connect with others, it is encouraging to see so many people taking action to create real bonds and those who support them," said Yuasa.

TACKLING CHILD POVERTY IN OKINAWA

Okinawa Prefecture has been at the forefront of this movement, with 62 percent of elementary schools having a children’s cafeteria within their districts, the highest in the nation.

A 2015 survey revealed that the poverty rate in the prefecture had reached 29.9 percent, roughly double the national average.

In response, the prefectural government established a 3 billion yen ($19.6 million) fund to address the issue, and the central government contributed an additional 1 billion yen.

With these funds, municipalities have been supporting the children’s meal programs. As of 2024, there are 361 such community kitchens, a threefold increase since 2018.

A prefectural official attributed this growth to a heightened awareness of poverty as a societal issue, rather than individual problems.

The national government is also providing support.

The agriculture ministry has been distributing government rice reserves to children’s cafeterias since 2020, while the welfare ministry and the Children and Families Agency also provide subsidies for such programs.

STARTING AT HOME

Kazuo Yamada, a 76-year-old pensioner, has been running his children’s cafeteria since 2013 in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward.

"I always aim for a score of 70, rather than 100 percent," Yamada said with a chuckle. "I think that's why I've been able to keep going for so long. It's important to enjoy what you're doing and not take things too seriously."

After losing his wife of 35 years, Yamada found himself feeling isolated. It was during this time that he was invited to start a children's cafeteria at his home.

With the children's meal initiative still unknown at the time, he struggled financially to keep the project going.

At Yamada’s kitchen, which opens twice a month, children up to junior high school age eat for free, while accompanying adults pay 300 yen.

Yamada's philosophy is simple: everyone is welcome, regardless of their age or circumstances. He wants to ensure that even those who fall through the cracks of traditional support systems feel included.

Yamada relies on a combination of government subsidies and donations from local farmers and supermarkets.

The support of volunteers is also vital. People from all walks of life, ranging from teenagers to seniors, lend a hand.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when his eatery had to temporarily close, Yamada started a food distribution program, which he continues to run.

He packs bags of essential items, such as rice and eggs, delivering to around 50 families in need.

A mother of a 4-year-old girl who frequents Yamada’s kitchen expressed her gratitude, saying, "It's such a relief to have one less meal to worry about."

“Many people want to do something for children,” Yamada said, reflecting on the success of his project. “This is a place where those feelings can become a reality.”