Though not taking part myself, I am supporting the Live Below the Line campaign by hosting this guest post:

Live Below the Line is Food for Thought

Guest blog by Gemma Hume from Practical Action

Next week, thousands of people will be spending just £1 a day for five days for all their food and drink. Why? To raise awareness of the 1.2 billion people living below the extreme poverty line.

 

 

 

The Live Below the Line campaign is an opportunity for people to gain a small insight into the reality of life for those living in extreme poverty – surviving on just £1 a day.

In truth, that tiny amount of money has to pay for everything – food, housing, health, transport and education. It is really hard to imagine but it is the harsh reality for an incredible number of people.

For nearly 50 years, Practical Action has been helping some of the world’s poorest communities to use simple, sustainable technology to find lasting solutions to disease, hunger and poverty.

Today we are asking you to take practical action and join us by taking part in the Live Below the Line sponsored challenge from 28 April to 2 May and raise funds to help men and women in desperate need.

I’m ‘living below the line’ for 60 days and I will finish my challenge along with thousands of others doing the five day challenge on 2 May. It has been tough – I have felt very hungry and my energy levels have suffered – but the knowledge that it is temporary and the rewards that I reap in return will make it all worthwhile.

Rice, oats, tinned tomatoes, pasta and chickpeas have been the mainstay of my diet during the challenge and I’ve had to do without meat, salad, most fruit, alcohol and coffee.

This initiative has made me realise just how little choice these 1.2 billion people have. It’s really hard to eat a balanced diet and buy healthy food cheaply.

I can’t wait to have a glass of wine and a roast dinner next weekend. However, for many people, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Could you take on the £1 a day challenge?

Are you inspired by Gemma? Then sign up for Live Below the Line, You’ll find plenty of resources, recipes and tips to get you through the week at http://practicalaction.org/live-below-the-line.

 

Gemma’s tips for Living Below the Line:

• Research food prices before you go shopping and spend your £5 in one food shop at the beginning of the week do your money goes further.

• Go to the supermarkets towards the end of the day (around 7pm) to find some bargains in the reduced sections.

• Encourage other people in your household or at work to take part. You can pool your money and make meals for each other.

• Check out Gemma’s blog where there are loads of recipes and tips to help you have a successful challenge.