Eating for $1.00 a day.
Seems impossible, right? For the average person, it very much is impossible. I tried to eat for $1.00 a day ( 3 meals) and today I am going to describe the experience, as well as explain why I attempted to do this.
Eating for $1 a day is part of the #summerhungerchallenge and Every Plate Full campaign. This campaign aims to bring awareness to summer hunger across Canada. Summer hunger is a real issue in Canada, as the need for food banks increase while donations in the summer months decrease. Food banks are able to provide 3 meals for $1, which is incredible. However, it is very difficult to do and to me, shows the importance and value of each donation.
When I was planning my meals, it took a lot of time. I thought about the most nutritious and nutrient-dense options. Obviously, this is very difficult to do and below is my attempt.
MY MEALS FOR THE DAY
BREAKFAST | Oatmeal with an Egg
1/2 cup oats
1 egg
_____
Cost
$0.42
Nutrition Information
Calories: 222
Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
Fibre: 4g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 11g
LUNCH | Millet & Lentil Stew with Chipati
1/4 cup millet
1/4 cup red lentils
Chapati; 1/8 cup flour with water
4 pieces spinach
1 baby tomato, chopped
4 pieces sliced carrots
_____
Cost
$0.25
Nutrition Information
Calories: 413
Carbohydrates: 78.5g
Fibre: 11.25
Fat: 2.5g
Protein: 20g
DINNER | Millet & Lentil Stew with Chipati
1/4 cup millet
1/4 cup red lentils
Chapati; 1/8 cup flour with water
4 pieces spinach
1 baby tomato, chopped
4 pieces sliced carrots
_____
Cost
$0.25
Nutrition Information
Calories: 413
Carbohydrates: 78.5g
Fibre: 11.25
Fat: 2.5g
Protein: 20g
TOTAL COST: $0.92
CHALLENGES
The main challenges that I came accross, other than eating enough food, was maintaining variety, eating nutritionally, enhancing the visual appeal and adding flavour.
My priority was to try and eat enough calories and as nutritionally as possible. This was not enough food for an average woman who is busy and active. I found I compromised on variety and made the same meal for lunch and dinner, as this kept the cost down while calories and nutrition up. For the odd day, this is okay but for me I would not want the same meal for lunch and dinner, every day.
The visual appeal of my food is also something that I value and enhances the experiences of enjoying my food. Eating bland and boring looking food, every day, is not something that I would like, longer term. I found adding the few pieces of colour, made a difference.
Adding flavour is also an added expense. I did find that a little bit went a long way and I added a small bit of cinnamon to the oatmeal, and salt to the soup. However, the meals were definately flavourless.
It is clear that when living with food insecurity, every decision is a difficult one. Every bite of food is and can be a huge sacrifice. Not only that, but making healthy choices and make food exciting is likely the last thing on the list. You just need anything.
Food banks are very important and this is an issue I have been passionate about for a very long time. Any donation helps, while it is important to be mindful of the food you are donating and think about whether or not it would be something you like, and would like to eat. I use this judgement whenever I donate to any food bank.
Now, I challenge YOU to take on this challenge. See how difficult it is to eat for under $1 a day. Donate to food banks if you can, and spread the word about summer hunger in Canada.
– Sarah