Live Below the Line

Live Below the Line on October 17 – CARE's National Day of Action!

We've seen the statistic: 1.4 billion people are living on $1.50 or less per day. But where did this number come from?

The World Bank sets the "extreme poverty" standard. Since 2005, this living standard has been set at $1.25 per day (adjusted to $1.50 to account for inflation). This standard forms the "extreme poverty line," an invisible boundary marking an area that 1.4 billion people occupy.

The first step toward changing this dire situation for the better is developing an understanding of the issue. That's where Live Below the Line comes in: it provides you with an opportunity to experience one challenge of living in extreme poverty – the challenge of getting enough to eat. It also empowers you to take a stand and take action for something worth believing in.

The Goal

Live Below the Line was designed to give you a glimpse into what it's like for the millions of people living in extreme poverty. It's an experience you can do alone, share with others or use as an opportunity to raise funds to support CARE's programs that fight extreme poverty.

The Rules

What: Feed yourself on $1.50 per day
When: October 17, 2011 (or longer)
How: Each day's food budget is $1.50. If you choose to Live Below the Line for more than one day, you can spend the total allotment at once. For example, to Live Below the Line for five days, you can go shopping at the beginning of the week and spend $7.50, but you won't be allowed to purchase anything else for the remainder of the challenge.

The Food

It's true $1.50 doesn't buy much: a can of beans, a packet of pasta, or a few vegetables. But that doesn't mean you can't have a decent meal during Live Below the Line. Click here to see a sample meal plan.

The Fundraising

In addition to using your participation in Live Below the Line as a way to raise awareness about extreme poverty, you have the option of raising funds as well.  You can create your own fundraising page, which you can personalize. This page allows you to send messages to family and friends about the challenge. It includes a simple and easy way for them to sponsor you. Details are outlined in the registration process when you sign up.

Spread the Word!

Yes, the challenge is hard. Yes, you'll be a little cranky. Yes, your tummy will grumble. Yet you will have done something amazing!
Sharing your journey is the best way to help others understand why you're doing it.  Tell us about your Live Below the Line experience and what you're learning by posting on CARE's Facebook page, Twitter (@CARE) or e-mail us at advocacy@care.org.