Can you eat on $1.50 a day? No, that’s not a typo and not meant to be “$1.50 a meal” but $1.50 a day. I received an email last month from a representative with the Global Poverty Project alerting me to the Live Below the Line Campaign taking place May 7 – 11, 2012, in which people are challenged to eat on $1.50 a day. That’s the U.S. equivalent of the extreme poverty line.
In addition to raising awareness about global poverty, the challenge is meant to raise funds to support various organizations fighting poverty, such as Care, Global Poverty Project and Unicef. The worldwide campaign raised $2 million in 2011.
Globally, 1.4 billion people live below the poverty line and $1.50 a day needs to cover more than just food. It also covers other necessary living expenses such as shelter, clothing and medical needs.
During my 2006 travels to Afghanistan, I certainly saw poverty. I saw children sifting through trash searching for wires and other items they could sell for cash. I saw people living in bombed out homes with roofs exposed. I saw beggars in forms of men, women and children. And, I saw a glimmer of hope and determination from people who want a better life.
Sometimes, people who are down just need a little help to prop themselves up and succeed. I saw evidence of that in Afghanistan with organizations teaching women a trade (i.e. Women for Women International) and educating girls who missed out on an education under the Taliban. (i.e. Afghans 4 Tomorrow)
These organizations and those involved with the Live Below the Line campaign just don’t give money and food to those in need, they teach people how to be independent and self-sustaining which restores an individual’s dignity.
Can You Live Below the Line?
Are you ready to take a personal challenge and eat on $1.50 a day May 7 – 11? If you can’t do that, consider doing away with many first-world luxuries. Can you go without Facebook? Can you get through your day without that tall skinny soy latte? See what actor Hugh Jackman will be going without during the Live Below the Line in this video (or see below).
Visit the Live Below the Line website (www.livebelowtheline.com), register, select which organization you’ll be donating funds to and make your commitment and encourage friends to support you and the cause.
Who’s in?
Thank you to the Global Poverty Project for making me aware of this initiative to end global poverty.
FTC Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link; I’m just a single gal trying to support my traveling habit.
