With 1 in 6 children in Japan living in a household with financial difficulties, a growing number of temples nationwide are donating snacks that they have received as offerings to impoverished youngsters.

In the Tokai region, a group of young monks has created the Otera Oyatsu Club (Temple Snack Club) in an effort to bring some happiness to these children's lives.

Ten monks in ceremonial robes gathered Feb. 2 in a circle in Kuonji Temple in Naka Ward, Nagoya, praying and chanting a sutra amid the sound of a temple bell.