Single parent families doing it tough over summer break

For many of us living in Japan, summer vacation means things like beach trips, exploring fun seasonal festivals, and just appreciating the chance to slow down. However, for some single-parent families here, the long school holidays come with a different reality. More time at home means higher utility bills, and the loss of school-provided lunches for some creates a real strain on already tight household budgets.

A recent survey by the nonprofit Good Neighbors Japan revealed that food insecurity during school holidays is a growing problem. Over 2,000 low-income single parents responded, and around 60 percent said summer break makes their financial situation "very difficult." Nearly 40 percent reported it becomes "somewhat difficult."

Without the help of school lunches, the study showed that many parents are forced to stretch what little they have, with some skipping meals themselves to make sure their children can eat. Alarmingly, the number of kids eating fewer than two meals a day rose significantly during school holidays compared to regular school days. Nearly 90 percent of families also said their children's nutrition got worse over the break, with less access to vegetables, fish, and balanced meals.

This year, the situation for many is even tougher, with rising food prices and the high cost of rice making it harder for families to put enough on the table. A significant number of respondents said they can no longer afford the same staples, and some shared stories of children who have started eating less on their own, sensing the financial stress at home.

If you're looking for a way to give back to your community in Japan and have the means to do so, consider supporting food banks. A list of the options in Niigata, for instance, can be found here, but you should be able to find what's available in your area by searching "フードバンク" and the name of your prefecture. A little help can go a long way towards ensuring every child has enough to eat, especially during the summer months.