Kasagi Town Launches Free Lunch Program for Parents

Kasagi Town, the municipality with the smallest population in Kyoto Prefecture, has begun offering free lunches three times a week to children attending its after‑school care clubs. The initiative, launched this fiscal year, is intended to ease the financial burden on parents during the summer vacation period. By using its low‑population advantage, the town aims to support childcare services and provide a regional model for similar communities.

The free‑lunch scheme is part of a broader "regional standard plan" promoted by local officials, emphasizing community‑based solutions to rising child‑care costs. It targets families with school‑age children who rely on after‑school programs, helping them reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses while encouraging continued participation in these services.