No Coffee today! Isn’t it amazing that in our modern world people are still going hungry. Why? Surely the world grows enough food for us all to at least get a decent meal per day. But we don’t, why? Obviously I do not have all the answers but surely it has something to do with distribution and cost. It is time to try and raise awareness and make change. That is why I have decided to Live below the line. This challenge is not going to enable me to change the world, but it may get more people thinking about others. About the food we consume, the waste and cost of what we are putting in our bodies. And about being grateful for what we do have.
The live below the line challenge started for Tracey and I yesterday, which means feeding yourself on $2.85 per day ($5.70 for us both) for 5 days. This is the NZ equivalent of the extreme poverty line that 767 million people in underdeveloped countries have as reality everyday. Righto time to start, must say I'm a little underwhelmed at the prospect of a week with no meat or coffee! I'll try keep an account and costings of the days ahead - wish me luck! Or better still head over to
www.livebelowtheline.org.nz/fundraisers/brettmcgregor/live-below-the-line-nz and if you can make a small donation -that would be awesome.
DAY 1.....Give me my daily bread…
Total spend = $5.50 ($2.75 each)
Not a great start I can't afford my morning coffee, especially with milk and sugar, so things may get a little cranky! Survived today on soup, bread and corn fritters.
The live below the line challenge started for Tracey and I yesterday, which means feeding yourself on $2.85 per day ($5.70 for us both) for 5 days. This is the NZ equivalent of the extreme poverty line that 767 million people in underdeveloped countries have as reality everyday. Righto time to start, must say I'm a little underwhelmed at the prospect of a week with no meat or coffee! I'll try keep an account and costings of the days ahead - wish me luck! Or better still head over to
www.livebelowtheline.org.nz/fundraisers/brettmcgregor/live-below-the-line-nz and if you can make a small donation -that would be awesome.
DAY 1.....Give me my daily bread…
Total spend = $5.50 ($2.75 each)
Not a great start I can't afford my morning coffee, especially with milk and sugar, so things may get a little cranky! Survived today on soup, bread and corn fritters.
Making flat bread 5 cents a piece
Todays Breakdown...
Black tea (1 each) = 4c
Soup = $3.03 (Shop bought soup mix,1 carrot,water)
Flat breads (2 1/2 each) = 23c
Corn fritters (5 each) = $1.96
Herbal tea (1 each) = 24c
Total = $5.50 ($2.75 each)
Flat bread = 23c
Makes 5, Prep time 2 min (plus resting), Cook time 2 min
1 cup flour = 18c
1 tbsp veg oil = 4c
1 tsp salt = 1c
½ cup water = FREE (unless you live in Auckland!)
Method
- Place flour, salt and oil into a bowl and mix together with your hand.
- Make a well in the centre and slowly add a little water at a time and combine. When the dough comes together and forms a small ball cover with cling film and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Dust your bench with flour, remove dough and rill into a log shape. Tear into five pieces and cover four of them to stop drying out.
- Make the piece into a ball and flatten. Roll out to about a mm thick and cook in a med/hot pan for 1 minute each side.
Most basic of basic corn fritters = $1.46 (makes 10)
Serves 2, Prep time 5 min, Cook time 10-15min
1 x can cream corn = $.99
1 cup flour = 18c
1 egg = 29c
1 tbsp vegetable oil = 4c
Method
Put the cup of flour into a bowl. Add the egg, mix into the flour. Add the can of cream corn gently mix till just combined. (Its ok to still see the flour, don’t over mix)
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan on a medium heat. Put spoonfuls of the mixture in the pan turn when golden.
Day 2.....Its all about the Rice
Total spend = $3.75 ($1.88 each)
This morning I decided to do what I usually do during the day. Go for as long as possible without eating. I have never really enjoyed eating in the morning and when not living below the line, never eat breakfast, just grab a coffee (well more often than not) I thought this would be an amazing way to get to dinner and have an absolute feast. I was wrong, got to just after 12 and began to feel a little light headed, lacking in energy and very tired, so I shared the leftover 1 cup of soup with Trace along with those amazingly delicious flatbreads. I had a very good idea with the last flatbread, I cracked an egg onto one side and cooked it into the bread, rolled it up and thought it was the best thing since the steak I had on Sunday night! The simple things taste absolutely superb.
That meant we had a whopping $2.34 each to spend on our dinner. We decided that it would be fried rice as it goes so far, especially when you buy the cheapest rice you can find, unfortunately it does not mean quality. Let me just say that buying free range, organic top quality ingredients is not even thought of or discussed. We are simply thinking of fuel for the body and getting rid of that constant pang we have in our bellies.
Today's breakdown....
Herbal tea (1 each) =24c
2 eggs (1 each) = 58c
Flat bread (2 1/2 each) = 25c
1 cup soup = free, left over from yesterday
Fried rice (2 cups each) = $2.43
Herbal tea (1 each) = 24c
Lots of water!
Total = $3.75 ($1.88 each) - some left over for tomorrow!
Fried rice = $2.43 ($1.22 each)
Serves 2 prep time 15 cook time 8
2 tbsp veg oil= 8c
1 onion, finely diced = 30c
2 cloves of garlic, finely diced = 16c
1 carrot, finely diced = 13c
4 cups cooked rice, cooled @12c per cup = 48c
½ cup frozen peas or mixed veg (whatever is on special)=23 c
2 tbsp soy sauce = 22c
1 tbsp oyster sauce = 15c
2 eggs = 58c
pinch black pepper and salt to taste = 10c
Method
Total spend = $3.75 ($1.88 each)
This morning I decided to do what I usually do during the day. Go for as long as possible without eating. I have never really enjoyed eating in the morning and when not living below the line, never eat breakfast, just grab a coffee (well more often than not) I thought this would be an amazing way to get to dinner and have an absolute feast. I was wrong, got to just after 12 and began to feel a little light headed, lacking in energy and very tired, so I shared the leftover 1 cup of soup with Trace along with those amazingly delicious flatbreads. I had a very good idea with the last flatbread, I cracked an egg onto one side and cooked it into the bread, rolled it up and thought it was the best thing since the steak I had on Sunday night! The simple things taste absolutely superb.
That meant we had a whopping $2.34 each to spend on our dinner. We decided that it would be fried rice as it goes so far, especially when you buy the cheapest rice you can find, unfortunately it does not mean quality. Let me just say that buying free range, organic top quality ingredients is not even thought of or discussed. We are simply thinking of fuel for the body and getting rid of that constant pang we have in our bellies.
Today's breakdown....
Herbal tea (1 each) =24c
2 eggs (1 each) = 58c
Flat bread (2 1/2 each) = 25c
1 cup soup = free, left over from yesterday
Fried rice (2 cups each) = $2.43
Herbal tea (1 each) = 24c
Lots of water!
Total = $3.75 ($1.88 each) - some left over for tomorrow!
Fried rice = $2.43 ($1.22 each)
Serves 2 prep time 15 cook time 8
2 tbsp veg oil= 8c
1 onion, finely diced = 30c
2 cloves of garlic, finely diced = 16c
1 carrot, finely diced = 13c
4 cups cooked rice, cooled @12c per cup = 48c
½ cup frozen peas or mixed veg (whatever is on special)=23 c
2 tbsp soy sauce = 22c
1 tbsp oyster sauce = 15c
2 eggs = 58c
pinch black pepper and salt to taste = 10c
Method
- Heat your wok on high and add the oil. When hot add the onion and stir fry for a minute, then add the garlic. When beginning to colour add the carrots, peas and combine for about a minute.
- Now add the rice and give everything a good shake in the pan. I like to cook the rice for a further minute or 2 then add the sauces. Give everything a good stir, then make a well and add the eggs, break them up and simply let them cook for a minute then begin to combine with the rice.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve straight away.
Fried Rice, simple but filling.
Day 3....The ultimate test…
Total spend = $4.72 ($2.36 each)
Today is the day my Mother arrives for dinner. Yes, although Tracey and I are living below the line does not mean that life stops - things sure do carry on in the world, even when you are hungry.
Mum always has a firm idea of what she would like me to cook her for dinner. This time…it’s a roast. She is off on a short holiday and likes a good feed of veg before she goes. I spent the afternoon, peeling spuds and kumara chopping carrots, broccoli and pumpkin and of course unleashing a beautiful looking bird and got it ready to roast. All the while salivating at the abundance of food and freaking at the thought of having to watch them eat it later.
But, Tracey and I have to eat, tonight for us its Pasta, Spaghetti with tomato sauce to be exact. We managed to get a can of tomatoes flavoured with basil and garlic for 89 cents – Bonus! So while the oven works its magic and fills the house with amazing aromas, I spend my time chopping an onion and garlic, throwing it into a pan, then hit it with the can of tomatoes… no tom paste, no extra herbs but I do manage ½ tsp salt and a bit of sugar.
Everything came together at the same time…as I finished making the gravy and plated. I looked over to the dinner table and saw mum enjoying a glass of sav…no worries, WE CAN DO THIS.
Mum, Jack and Ken were like a symphony of sound. OOOHHHH, ARRRRHHHHH that looks amazing. Then the giggles started as they began to devour the delights and compare meals. I got a little quiet and as I ate the pasta I was not even sure if it was actually PASTA? To be honest, even the tomatoes tasted weird. Tracey and I made it through this very disturbing meal (well for us anyway) and they polished off every mouthful of bird and veg describing just how full they were!
Todays breakdown
Tea (1 black teabag each) = 4c
4 cups fried rice = $ 2.43
Tomato pasta = $1.88
1 boiled carrot (1/2 each) = 13c
Herbal tea (1 each) = 24c
Weird tasting pasta
Pasta spaghetti .99 (used ½) = .50
1 tbsp oil .08
1 x Can tomatoes .89
1 onion .30
2 cloves garlic .08
1/2 tsp Salt .01
1tsp Sugar .02
Simply fry diced onions and garlic, throw in the can tomatoes, add salt & sugar, let simmer. Cook pasta. Mix together. Very filling but not very tasty!
Day 4 .....The day I want to forget
Total spend $5.54 ($2.77 each)
Today was the hardest day by far. I have been lightheaded, moody, tired and to be honest - over it. The only saving grace was the fact that I was in a market and spotted the bargain of the century. Yes, we actually managed to get some proper protein and a couple of veg into our stomachs. I was able to get a bit of beef Schnitzel for $2.78 for 2 pieces – that meant Tracey and I could have it sliced each in our dinner. It was amazing, I reckon I could feel my brain coming back to reality and actually functioning like it is supposed too.
Never in my life have I taken food for granted, I have always tried to treat it with the respect it deserves no matter the ingredient. But this has changed my life. I know it has only been a week, but to go without the things you usually have is difficult, from now on I am going to be a waste warrior in our house. Nothing is going into the bin, and I am thankful for every mouthful I eat.
Tomorrow is the last day. Thank goodness.
Todays breakdown:
Tea (1 black tead bag each) 4c
Flatbread (1 each) 10c
No frills hash brown
1 spud 35c
1/4 cup flour 5c
1 egg 29c
Tea
2 tbsp soy sauce 22c
schnitzel (2 pieces) $2.78
pumpkin (400g) $1.20
onion 30c
Garlic (2 cloves) 8c
Carrot 13c
Total spend 5.54
Per person 2.77
Total spend $5.54 ($2.77 each)
Today was the hardest day by far. I have been lightheaded, moody, tired and to be honest - over it. The only saving grace was the fact that I was in a market and spotted the bargain of the century. Yes, we actually managed to get some proper protein and a couple of veg into our stomachs. I was able to get a bit of beef Schnitzel for $2.78 for 2 pieces – that meant Tracey and I could have it sliced each in our dinner. It was amazing, I reckon I could feel my brain coming back to reality and actually functioning like it is supposed too.
Never in my life have I taken food for granted, I have always tried to treat it with the respect it deserves no matter the ingredient. But this has changed my life. I know it has only been a week, but to go without the things you usually have is difficult, from now on I am going to be a waste warrior in our house. Nothing is going into the bin, and I am thankful for every mouthful I eat.
Tomorrow is the last day. Thank goodness.
Todays breakdown:
Tea (1 black tead bag each) 4c
Flatbread (1 each) 10c
No frills hash brown
1 spud 35c
1/4 cup flour 5c
1 egg 29c
Tea
2 tbsp soy sauce 22c
schnitzel (2 pieces) $2.78
pumpkin (400g) $1.20
onion 30c
Garlic (2 cloves) 8c
Carrot 13c
Total spend 5.54
Per person 2.77
Day 5 ....The final Countdown
Total spend for the day $5.69 ($2.84 each)
To say I am very happy this is nearly all over is an understatement. My brain is dead today I can't think of anything creative for dinner, the pangs in my stomach have no patience so vege and rice it is.
Today I celebrate the fact that my food world has changed again. Not because I have found some new ingredient to work with but because I have come to the conclusion that feeding yourself on $2.85 really is the most difficult thing to do.
I understand that this is reality for so many and believe me I will never look at a plate overloaded with food in the same way again. Portion control is just so important to ensuring you get more than one meal per day. The key I reckon is to get back to having more than one person to share the burden with. I was lucky that Tracey got involved. That doubled our daily spend and I reckon it would be easier to feed more people if the money was pooled.
So to wrap it all up, lets all do a little more to ensure those who live next door, down the road or around the corner in your community, or even on the other side of the world, get a little extra from you when you can. Buy an extra bag of rice for someone else, some fruit or a tin of tomatoes. Share a meal, make a donation, or take your extras to a local food bank so they can distribute to those in need.
I just want to say a huge thank you to all that sponsored me on this challenge, the team at tearfund will put these funds to good use. There is still time to make a small donation if you can... head over to the live below the line website.
https://www.livebelowtheline.org.nz/fundraisers/brettmcgregor/live-below-the-line-nz
Todays breakdown
Tea (1 black teabag each) 4c
Flatbread (1 each) 10c
Eggs (1 each) 58c
2 cups of rice 24c
Small can tuna $1.65
tbsp soy sauce 11c
1 Corn on the cob 80c
1 Onion 30c
2 Cloves garlic 8c
2 carrots 26c
3 cups rice 36c
2 tbsp soy sauce 22c
300g pumpkin 90c
Salt and pepper 5c
Total = $5.69
Total spend for the day $5.69 ($2.84 each)
To say I am very happy this is nearly all over is an understatement. My brain is dead today I can't think of anything creative for dinner, the pangs in my stomach have no patience so vege and rice it is.
Today I celebrate the fact that my food world has changed again. Not because I have found some new ingredient to work with but because I have come to the conclusion that feeding yourself on $2.85 really is the most difficult thing to do.
I understand that this is reality for so many and believe me I will never look at a plate overloaded with food in the same way again. Portion control is just so important to ensuring you get more than one meal per day. The key I reckon is to get back to having more than one person to share the burden with. I was lucky that Tracey got involved. That doubled our daily spend and I reckon it would be easier to feed more people if the money was pooled.
So to wrap it all up, lets all do a little more to ensure those who live next door, down the road or around the corner in your community, or even on the other side of the world, get a little extra from you when you can. Buy an extra bag of rice for someone else, some fruit or a tin of tomatoes. Share a meal, make a donation, or take your extras to a local food bank so they can distribute to those in need.
I just want to say a huge thank you to all that sponsored me on this challenge, the team at tearfund will put these funds to good use. There is still time to make a small donation if you can... head over to the live below the line website.
https://www.livebelowtheline.org.nz/fundraisers/brettmcgregor/live-below-the-line-nz
Todays breakdown
Tea (1 black teabag each) 4c
Flatbread (1 each) 10c
Eggs (1 each) 58c
2 cups of rice 24c
Small can tuna $1.65
tbsp soy sauce 11c
1 Corn on the cob 80c
1 Onion 30c
2 Cloves garlic 8c
2 carrots 26c
3 cups rice 36c
2 tbsp soy sauce 22c
300g pumpkin 90c
Salt and pepper 5c
Total = $5.69
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