The Church and Food Bank Azabu Cooperate to Assist Those in Need

On December 6, 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with Food Bank Azabu[1] to host a free food distribution event at the Tokyo Temple Annex in Minami-Azabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo. The initiative aimed to provide high-quality food and a sense of warm community support to people in Tokyo facing economic challenges.

The event was organized by Food Bank Azabu with assistance from Church volunteers, who welcomed visitors with kindness and helped distribute food packages. Recipients received an assortment of food items, including rice, other essentials and sweets, all prepared with care.

The remaining food intended for those unable to attend was donated to the Refugee Empowerment Network - REN.

One recipient’s heartfelt gratitude reflects the sweet spirit of the event:

“Since becoming a single-parent household, I have received various forms of food assistance, but have never felt my heart so full of gratitude and emotion as I did today. I had imagined emergency rations close to their expiration date, but instead we received 10kg of rice, Chateraise sweets, and more – high quality items that both my children and I love. This unexpected gift filled us with surprise and joy. I was deeply touched by the kind words and warm smiles of the Church volunteers. After returning home, opening the bags with my children and sharing our delight over each item felt as if Santa Claus had come to our home a little early. We will cherish each day, never forgetting the kindness shown to us. We sincerely pray for the continued growth and happiness of everyone at Food Bank Azabu and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Yutaka Ijichi, who helped organize the event on behalf of the Church, reflected:

"Through an introduction from the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Department, we partnered with Food Bank Azabu to carry out the free food distribution service project. The Elders Quorum and Relief Society took the lead in recruiting participants and approximately 40 volunteers—including missionaries and friends—joined in.

Although this was the first time the Azabu congregation hosted such an event, everything—from unloading supplies to distribution and cleanup—went smoothly thanks to everyone’s cooperation.

The venue was filled with a warm atmosphere, and it truly reflected the spirit of Christlike love and service.  Volunteers shared comments such as, ‘I felt the joy of serving.’

This experience reminded us of the importance of ‘helping one another,’ as taught in Mosiah 18:27–30 in the Book of Mormon.

We hope to continue supporting those in need and serving as active members of the community in the future.”