On this page you will find information about food assistance. If you live near Saitama, we will support you at our food distribution events. If it is difficult for you to come to Saitama, we will introduce you to a food bank near you.
What we offer
Accept International organizes a monthly food pantry. The food items given out may change each time, but we do our best to provide Halal and nutritious food items. The picture on the right is an example of the food items you can receive at the food pantry. They include pasta, rice, noodles, canned tomatoes, beans, etc.
At our food distribution events, we also provide consultation on daily matters. Our food distribution does not end with delivering food to those in need, but aims to reach out to foreigners in Japan who are in need, solve the underlying problems, and help them become self-reliant in Japan.
How to receive food
| When | Irregular (usually once a month on a Friday) |
| Location | Accept International Office 1-11-5 Nihonbasiyosiizumi Bld.301, Nihombashihoridomecho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 103-0012 3 minute walk from “Kodenmacho Station” on the Hibiya Line |
| Eligibility | Open to all foreign residents in Japan who need food assistance Halal foods are also distributed |
| How to Receive | Please select Food Assistance on the contact form |
| What you can do | ・Receive food ・Talk to the staff at Accept International about daily issues ・Interact with other foreign residents in Japan |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Notes | ・Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or other food items that you cannot eat. ・You cannot choose which foods you will receive at the distribution event unless you have allergies. ・Parking is not available, so please use public transportation. ・Please bring a large bag to take the food home with you. |
Contact Us
If you have questions about food distribution events or anything else, please contact us here. Please feel free to send us a form regarding day-to-day issues as well.
Food assistance near you
If it is difficult for you to come to Saitama, you can contact a local food bank or organization for assistance. If necessary, we can help you find a food bank near you or assist you in receiving food smoothly.
What is a food bank?
A food bank is an organization that collects food products that do not meet the standards of food companies or that are about to expire and must be discarded, and delivers them free of charge to those in need. Food banks support people in need of food assistance, such as those who are raising children, have lost their jobs, or are in need. Note, however, that because they are funded by donations, special food items cannot usually be requested.
There are two ways to receive food assistance from food banks:
①
Receive assistance directly from the food bank or an organization working with the food bank without invitation
*Usually only the first time
②
Receive food through administrative offices, social welfare councils, and NPO offices
The process for receiving assistance from a food bank depends on the food bank, so please contact the respective food bank for more information. If you have any questions about how to find a food bank near you or how to receive support, please feel free to contact us. Please note that even if you receive assistance directly from a food bank or support organization, a letter of introduction issued by the government, social welfare council, or NPO is required from the second time onward. If you need a letter of introduction, please contact the following organizations.
- Councils of Social Welfare「Website of the Council of Social Welfare of Prefectures and Designated Cities」
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare「List of counseling support organizations and consultation counters」
List of Food Banks in Japan
- Prefectural Councils of Social Welfare「Website of the Council of Social Welfare of Prefectures and Designated Cities」
For Residents of Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama
- Second Harvest “How to Receive Food Assistance“
- The Big Issue Japan Foundation「When There’s Nothing to Eat: Information on Soup Kitchens in Tokyo」
For residents outside of Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama
- Japan Mottainai Food Center
「For those who would like to request food aid」
「Aim to Sustainable Project」（in English）
Second Harvest and Japan Mottainai Food Center are the two major food banks in Japan, covering a wide area. There may be a food bank nearby, so please try to find one that is operating near where you live. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Kodomo Shokudo
There is a place called “Kodomo Shokudo” which is run by local volunteers and provides free or low-cost meals. They originally started as a way to provide meals to poor families and children who eat alone, with the goal of creating a society where children do not have to worry about going hungry. Today, there are many places that are open to all generations. Please visit the website below to find a “Kodomo Shokudo” near you.
Kodomo Shokudo Network「Kodomo Shokudo Network」(with a map)
If you have any questions about this page, food aid, your local food bank, or any other daily life issues, please feel free to contact us using the form below.