To address growing poverty, particularly that affecting single-parent households and the homeless, hunger-relief organizations are launching a nationwide food banking network with the aim of sharing information and streamlining operations.

Groups from 11 prefectures will hold a symposium in Tokyo on Friday where they will kick off the network and discuss food banking strategies.

The number of nonprofit organizations that provide aid to the growing number of households eligible for social welfare has been on the rise in recent years. Still, they have often worked individually, failing to coordinate or communicate with similar groups offering services in different parts of the country.