Students at Japan's Niigata University support struggling peers by establishing food bank
Amid soaring costs of utilities and food such as rice, students at the university have come together to support each other by establishing a food bank. They have shared their struggles with comments like, "Vegetables are so expensive that I don't feel like buying them," and, "I hold off eating until my stomach growls." The organization is determined to alleviate these concerns and is appealing for support from local businesses.
The student food bank Soleil held its first food distribution on the Ikarashi Campus in the city of Niigata's Nishi Ward. They distributed about eight items for free, including 5 kilograms of rice, cup noodles and snacks, to 65 students who responded via social media or other means.
Miku Yoshimura, a 20-year-old third-year student at the university's College of Creative Studies, mentioned she had been reducing her rice consumption recently. After receiving foodstuffs, she expressed gratitude, saying, "With the rising prices and my busy schedule making it hard to work part-time, this is a great help. I plan to share these items with my younger brother who lives nearby."
Another third-year creative studies student, Kozue Yamashita, 20, noted, "The price of rice has roughly doubled since my first year. It's so harsh I do shopping with a calculator in hand at the supermarket. I received 5 kilograms of rice, so I can eat without worry."
Yumi Oiwa, 20, a co-representative of Soleil and a third-year student at the same faculty, said she also feels the impact of rising prices when shopping. She is committed to "alleviating the food-related anxieties of students."
Soleil conducted a survey in May targeting approximately 170 students in Niigata Prefecture. When asked, "Are you eating three meals a day?" more than 30% of students responded "almost two meals or fewer" or "not often." Additionally, 64% of respondents expressed concerns or worries about their diet. Struggling comments included, "I eat cheap frozen udon with different seasonings. Sometimes I eat just one meal a day," and, "I feel even convenience store rice balls are expensive now."
According to Soleil, this is the first student-run food bank in the prefecture. Oiwa stated, "Food banks aren't familiar to students. We'd like to gather attention by having students run it for students and raise awareness by distributing on campus."
Soleil plans to continue regular distributions on campus and is seeking donations and supplies from local businesses and organizations. Inquiries can be directed to Soleil via email at soleilfoodbank@gmail.com.
(Japanese original by Sayuri Toda, Niigata Bureau)
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