Once a week, as a special feature, we will share messages from supporters of ARI.
In this fifth installment, we introduce a “Food is …” message from Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, at J. F. Oberlin University.

“Food is… Life with Dignity”
For me, food is life with dignity. Food brings security and is a fundamental source of peace.

At Asian Rural Institute, we have been offering the Dignity Workshop for eight years as part of our curriculum for participants. The workshop is led by Associate Professor and University Chaplain Jeffrey Mensendiek of Obirin University, who is also the translator of Donna Hicks’ book Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict (published in Japanese as 尊厳のリーダーシップ by Shobunsha).

Dignity Workshop held at ARI: Japanese-Language Dignity Workshop – Asian Rural Institute

Peace from Food Donation Campaign
August 1(Fri) – September 21(Sun), 2025
Campaign site: https://ari.ac.jp/donate/peace2025/en?ari=news

From August 1, Asian Rural Institute is running the “Peace from Food” Donation Campaign.
Throughout the month of August and September, we are sharing voices from our community members and supporters on Instagram and Facebook Stories, centered around the theme “What does food mean to you?”

All past stories can also be viewed on our Instagram Highlights.