By Oliver Stanley, HIWCF Trustee
As a Trustee of HIWCF, Chairman of the New Forest Basics Bank (NFBB) and the founder of the New Forest Fareshare Larders, I see first-hand the realities of poverty and inequality in our community. For the past five years, I have been working on the front lines, dedicating four to five days a week to ensuring that those in need have access to essential food supplies. Through this experience, I’ve learned to understand the challenges people face and the reasons they turn to foodbanks and pantries.
The distinction between a Foodbank and a Larder is straightforward but often misunderstood. A Foodbank provides emergency food support at no cost, typically available once a week, and requires a referral from a local agency such as Citizens Advice, a GP surgery, or a school. In contrast, a Larder is open to all without the need for a referral, offering food at a significantly reduced price – up to a maximum of £5 for a family. Both services play a really vital role in ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
The complexities of poverty
I’ve witnessed individuals and families seek support from our foodbanks and larder for varied and complex reasons, and while no two clients are the same, some common challenges include:
1.) In-work poverty: an individual can be employed and still be eligible for and claiming Universal Credit (UC). Low wages, zero-hour contracts, and unstable employment mean that many working people still struggle to afford basic necessities such as food.
2.) Employment-related costs: many recipients own a vehicle necessary for employment yet these essential expenses have increased enormously recently.
3.) Single-parent households: many struggle with low incomes and high childcare costs.
4.) Crisis situations: unexpected life events, such as illness, bereavement, or redundancy, can push individuals and families into hardship.
5.) Generational poverty: history of poverty within the family can make achieving financial independence difficult.
6.) Lack of practical support: some individuals can struggle with motivation, confidence, or the tools to improve their circumstances.
7.) Lack of reliable public transport: in rural areas across the region, inadequate transport infrastructure makes access to work, education, and services more difficult.
8.) High housing costs: limited availability of affordable social housing forces many into private rentals, consuming a disproportionate share of their income.
A local approach to a national issue
Despite these challenges, I find great encouragement in the work being done by organisations like HIWCF, local charities, councils at all levels, and support agencies. And most of our clients want to move away from needing the Foodbank and get on with their lives independently. To help this, we bring in other support agencies when we run the Larder.
Poverty and inequality are often discussed on a national scale, but real change happens at the local level. This is the ethos behind HIWCF’s Give Together, Give Local campaign – encouraging local people to support local initiatives that make a tangible difference. Every donation helps sustain vital services that allow families to regain stability and move forward – we, and most of the other charitable groups we link to – have had funding from HIWCF at one point or another.
By coming together as a community, we can ensure that local charities and support networks continue to provide a safety net for those who need it most. Through Give Together, Give Local, we can all play a part in addressing poverty and inequality in meaningful ways – supporting not just immediate needs but also long-term solutions that help individuals and families build a better future.