PoW hashing ensures the proper function of the Bitcoin blockchain. Looking at other profitable altcoins to mine depends on such factors as the specifications of the hardware you will use to mine and of course knowledge about the altcoin and its technology involved. This can feed a family and provide them with their basic needs — groceries, medications, etc. They are also developing 1-Click Vertcoin Miner for easy access mining from home and you can earn coins by being a part of their network. The small population of the island, just , people, use about gigawatt hours of energy annually. The Bitmain AntMiner S9 is a modern mining rig which offers a good hashrate for its power consumption.