Beth Myriam Food Delivery Service for children, Tokyo Japan
Beth Myriam in Tokyo was established in 2005 and ran a soup kitchen for the homeless in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo until March 2020, fully backed by Fr. Heinrich Jokiel S.J., who passed in 2023. The soup kitchen had to be stopped due to the 2020 Corona disaster. Since then, we have been looking for a way to restart, but since April 2024 we have resumed our services in a different, more modern way.
We used to run soup kitchens for homeless people at some venues, but the number of people living on the streets in Tokyo is decreasing due to the efforts of the government. However, there has recently been a problem in Japan of an increasing number of poor families who are unable to feed their children. An increasing number of families, especially single mothers, are falling into this situation, and more and more people are setting up children’s cafeterias, a charity project, in various parts of the country. These are usually local eateries that provide meals free of charge to children who cannot afford to eat.
Participants in TLIG Tokyo Prayer Group live in different areas, and it is not practical to have a shop in a particular area in Tokyo, where land prices are high and it is too costly to have a shop in a particular area. Therefore, we have started to support these families by delivering food directly to them using online supermarkets, which are becoming increasingly popular.
At the moment, foodstuffs are provided twice a month to seven families. Here are some comments from single mothers who have received the foods.
‘Due to the sudden change in the economic situation, we were in a situation where we were like, “What are we going to eat tomorrow?” We were in a situation where we had to do something about it.
My son knows the situation to some extent, so he asked me “What’s for dinner tonight?” like a morning greeting, is no longer asked. It is rather hard for me. That’s when I was told about this Beth Myriam’s support. I asked for support for my children and myself to survive. We received food, but it was not only physical support, but also the feeling that we are not alone and that we can do our best! I feel like I also received emotional support, as if she was saying to me, “You are not alone, hang in there!” I had hot food again this morning and was able to give my son his lunch. Thank you!”
“My children were so happy. I feel very light hearted. I was so happy. It was like Santa Claus’ gift is still given to me when I am a grown-up.”
We responded to this comment with a short message from the Virgin Mary, informing them that this was not a gift from Santa Claus but from the Virgin Mary.
