What Is the Donate-a-Meal Movement?
The Donate-a-Meal Movement is an initiative that Rissho Kosei-kai, a Japanese lay Buddhist organization, began in 1975.
The movement was inspired by a declaration adopted at the Second World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP II)—now known as Religions for Peace—held in 1974. The declaration called on people in developed nations to curb excessive consumption and embrace a way of life characterized by modest desires and contentment. In response, a Japanese organization affiliated with WCRP took action to put this message into practice. Inspired by this idea, Rissho Kosei-kai launched the “Meal-Skipping Movement” in 1975, encouraging participants to forgo several meals each month and donate the equivalent amount in a spirit of prayer. In 1980, it was renamed the “Donate-a-Meal Movement.” Today, it is practiced throughout Japan and in many other parts of the world.
This movement invites people to reflect on those suffering from conflicts, disasters, and poverty in the world. By donating a portion of the money you might spend on meals or personal indulgences, you contribute, in the spirit of sharing, to the movement’s activities.
If you are fortunate enough to have food on your plate, a family to talk to, and a safe place to live, we encourage you to share that happiness with those who lack these necessities. We hope you’ll experience the joy that comes from the act of sharing.
The movement was inspired by a declaration adopted at the Second World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP II)—now known as Religions for Peace—held in 1974. The declaration called on people in developed nations to curb excessive consumption and embrace a way of life characterized by modest desires and contentment. In response, a Japanese organization affiliated with WCRP took action to put this message into practice. Inspired by this idea, Rissho Kosei-kai launched the “Meal-Skipping Movement” in 1975, encouraging participants to forgo several meals each month and donate the equivalent amount in a spirit of prayer. In 1980, it was renamed the “Donate-a-Meal Movement.” Today, it is practiced throughout Japan and in many other parts of the world.
This movement invites people to reflect on those suffering from conflicts, disasters, and poverty in the world. By donating a portion of the money you might spend on meals or personal indulgences, you contribute, in the spirit of sharing, to the movement’s activities.
If you are fortunate enough to have food on your plate, a family to talk to, and a safe place to live, we encourage you to share that happiness with those who lack these necessities. We hope you’ll experience the joy that comes from the act of sharing.
Donations from the movement are consolidated into the Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace and used to support a wide range of programs and humanitarian activities in Japan and around the world.
A Movement That Rejoices the Heart Through Donating a Meal
This initiative highlights the joy and fulfillment that come from acting thoughtfully toward others. Through this practice, we cherish the feeling of kindness and compassion growing within ourselves.
While the basic practice involves skipping a meal several times a month and donating the money you saved, we hope you will also find other ways of your own to practice donation. For instance, you could donate money by cutting back on your hobbies or luxury items. Or, on days when you are particularly happy, you could donate money to share some of your good fortune.
We suggest you participate in the movement in a way that brings joy to your own heart.
While the basic practice involves skipping a meal several times a month and donating the money you saved, we hope you will also find other ways of your own to practice donation. For instance, you could donate money by cutting back on your hobbies or luxury items. Or, on days when you are particularly happy, you could donate money to share some of your good fortune.
We suggest you participate in the movement in a way that brings joy to your own heart.
“I eat delicious porridge made of corn and soybeans every day! Before the school meal program began, I often felt hungry and couldn’ t concentrate in class. But thanks to these meals, I can study hard and even look forward to going to school. I’ ll keep attending school every day and do my best in my studies.”
—Benson, thirteen years old