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Journalists in successful challenge to eat for £1 a day

Two reporters from a weekly newspaper carried out a challenge to feed themselves on just £1 a day.

Lydia Johnson and Jessica Phillips from the Hereford Times, took part in the five-day experiment to raise awareness of the Live Below the Line challenge which thousands of people across the UK have been taking part in.

The journalists decided to take part because Jess heard about someone carrying it out to raise money for charity and wondered whether she could do it.

The Live Below the Line challenge encourages people to spend just £1 a day on food and drink for five days to raise awareness of poverty around the world.

Lydia Johnson, left, and Jess Phillips managed to eat on just £1 a day.

Lydia said: “When Jess first came up with the idea I thought it sounded like a great challenge, especially for us as we are both constantly eating at our desks. We planned what we would eat throughout the week on our £5 budget.

“Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go shopping so failed with the plan, which would have made life easier and ended up living on reduced sandwiches and Cup-a-Soups.

“It was tough, but I expected it to be worse. You can overcome the hunger pangs for a while, and it’s just getting out of the routine of constantly eating!

“It does make you think a lot more about what you’re eating. I knew that there was always food and drink close by, but so many people don’t have that luxury.

“I did cheat a few times and stole a few biscuits from the kitchen cupboard when I got really hungry.”

The journalists have also blogged about the challenge for the paper.

Jessica added: “For a persistent snacker it was difficult, especially when family members were tucking into fish and chips. The only reason I did so well was because my boyfriend’s mum brought home 10p sandwiches, wraps and even vegetarian sushi at the end of her shift in a local supermarket.

“It’s definitely made me think more about wasting food and also about how lucky I am.”

Journalists at the Staffordshire Newsletter also took part in a similar challenge last month to feed themselves on £7 a week and asked readers to join them.

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  • May 8, 2013 at 9:37 am
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    I thought most regional reporters could only afford £1 a day all the time?

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  • May 8, 2013 at 2:05 pm
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    I can confirm Miss Phillips is a definite desk snacker! Well done Jess and Lydia.

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