Thousands of Tokyo Olympic Volunteer Lunchboxes Discarded Daily

No Adjustment in Number Despite Decrease in Volunteers Due to Transition to No-Audience Policy

It has been revealed that thousands of boxed lunches for volunteers at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were discarded every day. According to a report by Japan's JNN on the 27th, most of the numerous boxed lunches and bread delivered daily to the Olympic venues were thrown away untouched. Due to the spread of COVID-19, all events were held without spectators, significantly reducing the number of volunteers, but the quantity of boxed lunches was not adjusted accordingly. Excess food was discarded without being consumed. A related official told JNN, "We receive a large amount of food every day that does not match the number of people, making it difficult to manage."

JNN released footage showing food delivered to the Tokyo National Stadium being thrown into trash bins, criticizing, "The Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee mentioned the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to consider sustainability, but they did not properly adjust the number of boxed lunches." In response, a representative of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee said, "We are currently communicating regarding this issue" and "We will work to improve the situation."