How to Do the 40 Hour Famine

Last Updated: August 14, 2022

World Vision is a global Christian organization dedicated to helping poverty-stricken families through various programs. One of them is the annual 40-Hour Famine in which people volunteer to give up something they love for 40 consecutive hours. Typically what they give up is food (hence, a fast or "famine.") Others may choose to go 40 hours without technology, furniture, talking, or anything else important to them. It's simply an effort by participants to deprive themselves of some of life's "necessities" for an extended period of time and thus to empathize with people (especially children) who are involuntarily so deprived. The practical effect of the 40-Hour Famine is to raise money for and awareness of the world's underprivileged. This can be a rewarding experience but a challenging one, too, not without its difficulties. This article outlines some of the steps to take in safely and successfully joining the Famine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Getting Started

1
Check your eligibility. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Children under 12 are allowed to join the Famine for only eight hours. Consider, too, any health conditions you have, such as blood pressure issues, diabetes, or depression. If you intend to give up food, ask your doctor if that's a good idea in your case.
- If you want to fast, don't do it if you're sick. If you have a chronic illness or other disability, consult your doctor first.
- Those going without food should be well-fed prior to the event and should not maintain a fast during extreme physical exertion ("fun runs," sports tournaments, gym classes, etc.)
2
Go to the 40 Hour Famine website, or sign up at a school, church or community center.

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3
Choose a challenge. The most common Famine challenges include:
- Going without food
- Giving up technology (TV, radio, computer or other IT device, MP3 player, even lights and electrical appliances)
- Not using furniture (chairs, beds, etc.)
- Giving up free time or play time by doing chores around the house without pay
- Some participants have even gone without sleep for 40 hours, but this is not recommended.
- This is just a list of suggestions. You can invent your own challenge. Just be smart about it. Don't do anything dangerous. The point is not to be daring; it's to raise money and awareness for the underprivileged.
- If you are a minor and choose to go without food, make sure your parents are well aware of this fact and approve of your choice.
4
Consume barley sugars (hard candy) and rice or something similar if you are going without food. The Famine permits you to eat these to maintain energy.
5
Find a good time for your Famine. Many participants do this over a weekend (Friday evening through Sunday morning).

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Collecting Donations

1
Ask your friends and family for donations of money. Tips on asking for donations can be found in the World Vision booklet about the Famine. Just be courteous and express gratitude to donors. Most people donate between $5 and $20.
2
Send an email. Go to the 40-Hour Famine Website and the "My Famine" section. You will receive a link for email recipients to use in donating by credit card.
3
Go door-knocking. This is a great way to reach people. Be very courteous when contacting the public. It's safer and more fun if you go with a friend. This step is definitely optional.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Before the Famine

1
If you're fasting, have a big meal right before you begin. Eat high-carbohydrate foods, like pasta, spaghetti or rice. Have some vegetables and fruit and take a multivitamin or two if you can. Try to avoid lollies (candy). Remember to drink water during the fast, as this will fill you up and keep you hydrated. Do not over-indulge before the fast, as you do not want to throw up. Hire (rent) some movies or borrow a few books, as they will help take your mind off your hunger.
2
Plan some things with your friends. Go to a park, go shopping (no credit cards if you've given them up) or go to dinner (if you're not fasting). The best way to survive this challenge is to stay occupied.
3
Take some rest and stay off your feet prior to the challenge. You will want to be rested before you begin, especially if you've given up furniture by sleeping on the floor.
4
Find a friend who is participating in the famine. Spend part of the 40 hours with him or her so you can encourage each other. It's more fun this way.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

During the Famine

1
Drink water frequently and eat some hard candy every few hours. Even if you don't feel like it to begin with, these actions can help you endure a fast.
2
Watch some movies. These will help you get through the day, and (if you're fasting) keep your mind off the hunger.
3
Conserve energy if you're fasting. During the 40 hours it's possible you won't feel especially hungry. You may, however, feel tired or lethargic. In this case, limit yourself to quiet, fairly stationary activities.
4
Sleep. Try to sleep long hours, particularly on the second night. This is a good way to help the time go by.
5
Go out. Meet up with your friends for meals (if appropriate), a sporting event or a shopping trip.
6
Don't talk about it. The more you take your mind off the challenge, the easier it is.
7
Do some indoor activities: reading, drawing, studying or homework.
8
Find a good place to sleep if you've given up furniture. Carpet is preferable to something harder. Decide for yourself whether pillows and blankets count as furniture.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

After the Famine

1
If you fasted, resume food carefully. A light salad or a piece of fruit is a good start. Don't eat too much at first. Give your stomach a gradual re-introduction to food. Avoid fatty foods for about eight hours.
2
Keep your fluids up. Drink some water, juice, cordial, tea or soft drink. Avoid milk, shakes and milky coffee.
3
Have a small, meaty meal (like pizza) for dinner.
4
If you fasted, avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours.

Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Forwarding Your Donations

1
Find your group leader or (if you signed up on the Internet), go through the World Vision website. Send in the donations you received.
2
Congratulate yourself. You've done a great and challenging job for a good charity. If the donations you raise reach a certain threshold, World Vision will present you with a "thank you" gift.

Warnings

If you're pregnant, have undergone recent surgery, or have a history of diabetes, gastric or duodenal ulcers, a heart condition or kidney complaints, you should consult with a doctor before going without food for 40 hours. If fasting is not recommended for you, pick another challenge.

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Keep it in perspective. Remember the point of the Famine. Your challenge is over in 40 hours. For some people, however, that same challenge is a way of life. Do some research into the lives of those less fortunate than yourself. Listen to what they have to say. Read about their opinions. This will add to the significance of what you've set out to accomplish.

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Going without food for 40 hours can be hard on your body. That's why it's important for minors to let their parents know if they're planning a fast.

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