A record 10,866 kodomo shokudo — cafeterias offering free or low-cost meals to children in need — are now operating across Japan, according to a recent report by nonprofit organization Musubie.
Musubie’s survey, conducted from August to October this year, revealed an increase of 1,734 locations from last year. This brings the national coverage rate to 34.7%, meaning one in three school districts now has a kodomo shokudo.
With the recent surge, the number of these cafeterias has surpassed the combined total of Japan’s elementary and junior high schools, which stands at 9,265.
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