Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Food Bank Korea—President Cha Visits 2HJ!
President Cha of the Korea National Council on Social Welfare visited Second Harvest Japan (2HJ)‘s office today. He shared his experience of creating a food banking network in Korea and the importance of the government being involved in the process. We look forward to continuing our relationship and learning from Korea.
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Monday, May 14, 2012
Thank You Letters from Tohoku
Second Harvest Japan began sending packages of rice, canned goods and other food supplies to victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in June, 2011. We receive many words of thanks from the recipients of our packages, and we would like to share just a few of these with you. Your cooperation helps foster hope for those in Tohoku! Thank you for your support!
Thank you so much for everything!
The future is still uncertain, but I am touched by the support that I have received from you all. Someday, in some form or another I hope that I can repay the kindness that I have received.
Thank you so much.
-Anonymous Recipient from Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
On June 4th of last year, I entered temporary housing. In July of that summer, Second Harvest Japan came to help. Thank you so much for all the food supplies! I was able to meet the staff of 2hj and I received a pamphlet about the food distribution program. I read it over countless times. Knowing that receiving food supplies would be a great help, yet still half in doubt, I wrote a letter. And the food supplies were really delivered. We were so grateful. There are four adults in my family, so we are really appreciative! I am now 86 years old. Thank you so much for your hard work.
Take care of yourselves, I pray for your continued health.
-Anonymous Recipient from Minami-Souma, Fukushima Prefecture
In the midst of these recent, dreary days, I am glad to hear of your health and prosperity.
Yesterday, we received a package from 2hj. It was so helpful. Thank you very much. Even my daughter and mother in law, who had previously been in low spirits, gathered around the package and spoke loudly and animatedly about it. We are supported by the knowledge that someone is keeping us in their thoughts.
Please take care. Thank you so much.
-Anonymous Recipient from Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
Yesterday, packages were delivered to us twice. Thank you very much. The contents were delicious and we enjoyed them straightaway. Just knowing that someone is supporting us helps us struggle through these heartbreaking days. I would like to voice my appreciation. While living in evacuation, my two children, currently in middle school and high school, were able to pass their high school and university entrance examinations. I believe that this is due to your warm support, and I would like to express my deep thanks.
-Anonymous Recipient from Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
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Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Peach Cans from 2HJ Made Fukushima Children Happy!
Second Harvest Japan (2HJ) delivered 6,732 peach cans to Date city, Fukushima on April 16.
Mr. Shishido, Principal of Tomino Elementary School contacted us through 2HJ PR Officer Rumi Ide’s friend, Katsumi Ishiduka, to ask for help. Principal Shishido said, “Because of concerns about the radiation, elementary schools in Fukushima are facing food shortage. We have to pay extra to bring food from far areas. We need 2HJ’s help.” Right after we heard about the news, 2HJ staff member, Kawada, and a volunteer staffer, Yonekura, delivered 6,732 cans of peach to the school meal distribution center in Date on April 16.
A local newspaper, Fukushima Minyu Shinbun, reported the delivery. This is in Japanese, but you can view a picture of children enjoying the peach.
Principal Shishido sent us a thank-you email at a later date—“We cannot thank you enough for delivering all the peach cans from such a far place on April 16,” says Principal Shishido.
This was all possible thanks to the food donor, volunteers who helped with the distribution, the distribution center and schools. Thank you very much again, everyone!
Link to News story »Friday, May 04, 2012
Asahi Shinbun Chiba Edition Covered Second Harvest Japan! May 2
Here is the translation by 2HJ of part of the article online.
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A food bank, which collects food that would be thrown away because they are not marketable although they are safe to consume and deliver the food to charitable agencies, starts this month in Chiba. According to Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), the food bank is the first one in the prefecture. The food bank is recruiting food donors and volunteers.
The group that starts a food bank is Workers Coope Chiba, a labor union. Learning from what was helpful with disaster reliefs, they are preparing to start the new organization. With the help of Chiba Social Welfare Council for Laborers, the food bank secured a office space store food. The food bank closed a deal to receive food from the nation’s largest food bank, Second Harvest Japan in Tokyo. The food bank recruits food donors in the prefecture and volunteers who help inventory management and deliveries.
A representative from the food bank says, “We hope to develop the food bank to be able to work on job placements for people on welfare or in need.” The food bank will hold a kick-off event on June 6. For details, contact Workers Coop Chiba at 043-301-4025. The food bank takes food that are still safe to consume, but not marketable for reasons such as mislabeling. They receive food from food companies and deliver the food to charitable agencies who need them for free.
Food banking started in 60s in the U.S. In Japan, Second Harvest Japan started in 2000. MAFF reports that there are about 20 food banks throughout Japan. Food losses, which are food that go to waste even though they are still edible, amount to approximately five to nine million tons annually in Japan. One of the goals of food banking is to reduce food waste and environmental impacts, and MAFF is promoting food banking. However, there are still concerns about who would be liable in case of accidents and donated food being sold to a third party, and many companies are hesitant to donate.
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You can view the original article in Japanese here.
http://mytown.asahi.com/chiba/news.php?k_id=12000001205020001
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May Day 2012 and Second Harvest Japan
Second Harvest Japan (2HJ) had a booth at The 83rd May Day Event, the biggest event by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, on April 28.
It was a beautiful spring day, and we have many visitors. At the next booth to us, the Prime Minister Noda bought food from Fukushima. It was a great opportunity to get different people interested in 2HJ. We appreciate the event committee for the opportunity.
It was a beautiful day with a lot of greens.
2HJ CEO Charles McJilton at the booth.
At the next booth to us, the Prime Minister Noda bought food from Fukushima.
Link to News story »
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