In Japan, 1 in 7 children currently lives in poverty. "Relative poverty" refers to households earning less than half of the national median disposable income, while "child poverty" applies to children under 18 living in such conditions. These children face structural disadvantages in daily nutrition, education, and access to higher learning, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities and making long-term upward mobility difficult. This study examines the role and systemic challenges of NPO-operated children's cafeterias in addressing child poverty. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the heads of 9 children’s cafeterias actively operating in District A of Yokohama. The results highlight three key functions of these cafeterias: (i) providing nutritional support and educational opportunities, (ii) fostering intergenerational engagement involving older adults and students, and (iii) contributing to family casework through a holistic understanding of children's living conditions. However, several operational challenges were identified: (i) establishing networks with public welfare agencies, (ii) ensuring the ethical management of personal information, and (iii) developing institutionalized mechanisms for effective collaboration among NPOs. Additionally, financial sustainability, volunteer retention, and program scalability remain critical concerns that impede long-term impact. These findings suggest that reinforcing institutional partnerships between public welfare services and children's cafeterias is crucial for achieving sustainable and comprehensive interventions. Strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing community engagement, and integrating evidence-based practices will be essential for mitigating child poverty in Japan through a more systematic and interdisciplinary approach.

Authors:
Yuki Yokohama, Kanto Gakuin University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Yuki Yokohama is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Kanto Gakuin University in Japan

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