breadline

/ ˈbrɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a queue of people waiting for free food given out by a government agency or a charity organization
2. on the breadline
   impoverished; living at subsistence level

Example Sentences

When the tour’s over, I’m back on the breadline, honey.

From Los Angeles Times

Ministers often repeat that 100,000 children have been kept above the breadline by their policies, and the child payment is frequently lauded by charities.

From BBC

Michelle was inspired to launch the project because of her own experience living on the breadline.

From BBC

The true number of people on the breadline may be much higher.

From Seattle Times

"If there is compensation, it should be equally balanced between those who need it - those on the breadline and in rural parts of the country."

From BBC