Food poverty: Bournemouth foodbank wins OU funding to research issue

The Open University (OU) has awarded funding from its Open Societal Challenges programme for a new project, titled ‘Sustaining Bournemouth: The Changing Face of Our Foodbank During Financial Crisis’. The project has been granted £25,000 to support a nine-month research initiative that will provide vital insights into food poverty in Bournemouth.

This pioneering research is a collaboration between the OU and Bournemouth Foodbank, a key charity supporting individuals facing food insecurity. The project is led by Dr Alessandra Marino, alongside a team of esteemed OU researchers Dr Merim Baitimbetova, Dr Maria Nita, and Dr Nicoleta Tipi. Together, they bring expertise in ethical research methods, food poverty, supply chain logistics, and economic sustainability. Their combined knowledge will be instrumental in addressing the pressing issue of food poverty, which has been exacerbated across the nation by the ongoing cost-of-living and energy crises.

A timely and impactful study

Bournemouth Foodbank, which has seen an 80% rise in demand for its services over the past five years, is at the frontline of food insecurity in one of the UK’s most deprived areas. Shockingly, around 70% of its current users are first-time visitors, highlighting the growing severity of the crisis. However, while the charity collects demographic and circumstantial data, it lacks the capacity to analyse these findings in a meaningful way. That’s where the OU’s research expertise steps in.

By mentoring a community-led research initiative, the OU team aims to provide Bournemouth Foodbank with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess and interpret key trends in foodbank usage.

Through rigorous data analysis and qualitative research, the project will identify the primary social drivers behind increased foodbank reliance, determine which interventions could be most effective, and generate robust, evidence-based recommendations for policy change at local and national levels.

Groundbreaking research methods

The project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of Bournemouth Foodbank’s extensive referral database with qualitative interviews and case studies. A dedicated team member will work on-site at the foodbank, gathering firsthand insights and engaging directly with clients to capture their experiences.

By working closely with the Trussell - Bournemouth Foodbank’s umbrella organisation - the project’s findings will be disseminated nationally, allowing other foodbanks across the UK to benefit from its insights. The study will culminate in a comprehensive impact report, which will not only document the foodbank’s role in mitigating financial hardship but also offer a blueprint for future policy improvements and funding applications.

A win for open research and societal impact

This funding success exemplifies the OU’s commitment to tackling urgent social issues through research-driven action. The Open Societal Challenges programme continues to support transformative projects that align with its mission to address inequalities, promote sustainability, and enhance community well-being.

As Bournemouth Foodbank and the OU embark on this vital study, the research will provide an unprecedented depth of understanding into the shifting landscape of food poverty. It will empower both local and national stakeholders to take meaningful steps toward reducing food insecurity, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

With this latest success, the OU reaffirms its position as a leader in socially impactful research, demonstrating that academic expertise can drive real-world change where it matters most.