Day 1

The start of a long week?

I’m Kerry. I am a friend of Zoe and of her mother, Lynne. Although we don’t all live together, I am only about a mile away and we often spend time and eat meals together. Initially I was enthusiastic about the notion of living ‘Below the line’ for a whole week. As the start date looms ever closer I am beginning to feel some trepidation.

Why have I decided to do this action?   I suppose several factors have influenced my decision, as there were when I chose many years ago to stop eating meat.

For some time I have convinced myself that my metabolism is such that I would cope well if food was in short supply-is this an unhelpful belief I uphold in order to indulge in foods I enjoy? Time will soon tell whether this particular myth will be busted.

In addition, I wanted to experience at first hand how 1.4 billion people survive daily. For them eating is not an indulgence, for them finding enough food to feed themselves and their children is a daily battle which must occupy their thoughts for a large proportion of each and every day.  

I am fortunate that I can make an active decision to participate in this action. I take the food I eat for granted. I often say that for me one of the best reasons to go on camping trips is, that I appreciate running water and electricity so much more on my return. Will the same apply to the food I eat? Perhaps I will waste less and buy more wisely in future once this action is completed.
Having just completed a circuit of Morrison's, with Zoe, ten minutes before closing time, to pick up bargains and managing to find nothing more nutritious or appetising than a small white loaf, for 19p-actually there were also two very small organic fancy lettuces which had been reduced to 75p and so consequently beyond our budget,  I am beginning to appreciate that this is going to be a long week.