Mia Fallon (St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw):

Before beginning the challenge, I do not that think anyone comprehended the obstacles that we would face throughout the week and just how little money we could spend.

During the week, preparing and budgeting was difficult for many of us, as we had to go to several shops for the best-priced foods, and I had similar boring meals across the day.

During the challenge, the link between poverty and obesity became clear, as the cheapest foods tend to contain little nutritional benefits. Many of them come from cans or packets, and there was a lack of fresh foods and vegetables due to the insane prices.

By the middle of the week, we had small meals very infrequently, leading to our being hungry throughout the day, with no money to buy snacks. That affected our mindsets and concentration levels in our work. Many of us were exhausted and were not motivated to complete anything.

I have reflected on the past week and it has become apparent that that is what a third of the world endure every day. I have lost all self-pity, becoming instantly more thankful for and appreciative of everything that I have in life.

We intend to donate all the money that we raised to local charities, including Paul’s Parcels, which is a voluntary group that is striving to eradicate food poverty in Shotts.