I’m just waiting for the mild dissention followed by the revoltution. My daughters have been amazing the last three days. They are all in for the Live Below the Line Challenge. I thought for sure when they realize how hungry they were at school today and saw the limited variety of snack and lunch options available in their lunch boxes, it was probably going to ugly.
Day 3
My oldest daughter packed her own lunch for today, and then packed her sisters’ lunches. Two rice cakes with peanut butter, carrots, and honey nut O cereal. I thought for sure they’d be hungry. She said she was a little hungry, but not hungry enough that she finished her carrots (read: she wanted more filler junk and less nutritious options).
Tonight was a beans and rice night. We “swapped out” the two boxes of macaroni and cheese ($1.00 each) for a can of pinto beans ($1.00) and some rice ($0.50 per cup based on our bulk price) that we had in our pantry. The can of beans and rice was actually less expensive than the macaroni and cheese per serving. Accompanied by sides of corn, the girls and I were fairly satisfied, although I know I’ll be hungry once everyone goes to bed. The leftover Easter candy on the counter is calling my name, but I have to carry on.
Why the Live Below the Line Challenge
It’s hard to imagine what a child who never has enough food to eat feels like every day. Not knowing when or from where the next meal is coming from has got to be awful. I’m hungry, and I know I could just reach into the pantry for a snack if I really wanted to. But I’m not. Because that is part of the challenge…feeling hungry and becoming more aware of those who aren’t as fortunate as we are and who struggle with hunger day in and day out.
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I love that you are doing this challenge and that three of your children are participating too!! I am thankful that I only have to imagine what others must go through and think that we may have to take a new look at our food consumption from a different standpoint here… like maybe we need to eat to live and not live to eat!
It’s been such an experience of awareness. I’m thankful we don’t have to live like this, but it’s eye-opening to try it!