Poverty Challenge

July 28 – August 4

Join us as we gain an understanding of the 712 million people who live on less than $2.63 per day.

The challenge — live on $2.63/day

  • $2.63 a day for food
  • Intake the four food groups daily (fruits/veggies, meat, dairy, grains)
  • No taking food from others
  • No taking food from your garden, unless you price it out
  • Foraging/Hunting is allowed
  • Stealing is not
  • If someone offers you food, you cannot take it
  • Spin the challenge wheel twice in the week

The challenge wheel

  • Walk for water: Walk 2km before drinking anything
  • No shoes: Don't wear shoes for 24 hours
  • No electricity: Don't use any electricity for 24 hours outside of NECESSARY work. No clocks, no phones, no electric stove, no lights, etc.
  • Gave your food away: You see someone who is more in need, so you give your budget "away" for the day
  • Limited water: You only have 2 gallons of water for 24 hours for everything. Drinking, showering, cooking, cleaning, etc.
  • Lose $1.32: You need to buy medicine for your family. Take $1.32 off your budget.
  • Gifted meal: You can buy one meal without cutting into your budget
  • Gifted veggies: Buy 4 fruit or veggies without cutting into your budget
  • Gain $2.63: The community banded together and was able to double your budget for one day
  • Given rice: You can eat 2 cups (uncooked) rice without cutting into your budget
  • KFC: You can buy one KFC meal without cutting into your budget

Why are we doing it?

Right now, 9% of the global population (or 712 million people) are living under the extreme poverty line. $2.63 is already adjusted for the Canadian dollar, inflation, and our cost of goods. That is supposed to cover everything: food, water, housing, school, medical, and whatever else may come your way.

We sometimes wonder why people aren't thinking long term, not making great decisions, are lazy, or not focused. But those things can be caused by malnutrition. Even in the span of a week, you can start to feel the effects of malnutrition, especially if you add walking to get your water every day, studying, and working the fields.

The effects of malnutrition are:

  • Decreased immune system
  • Developmental delays
  • Stunted growth
  • Blindness
  • Decreased muscle function
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Lack of motivation
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of appetite

One study showed that it can take up to 4 years for a brain to "catch up" developmentally AFTER regaining regular nutrition daily, BUT, poverty levels are dropping rapidly.

Percentage of the world living in extreme poverty:

  • 1820: 80%
  • 1900: 65%
  • 1950: 55%
  • 1980: 50%
  • 2000: 28%
  • 2019: 9.2%

Get involved

So join in this week as we work to change our perspectives on poverty, how hard it is to actually live on this amount.

Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to see live updates during the week! Tag us @hungry.for.life and post with the hashtag #povertychallenge and we will share your posts!