St Ives, heralded as the quintessential Cornish seaside town, is famed for its picture-perfect harbour, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant tourist scene. Yet beneath the postcard charm lies a community grappling with hardship. The influx of second homes and holiday lets has transformed much of the town into seasonal hubs, leaving many properties empty during the off-season and locals struggling to make ends meet.
Rev Chris Wallis, founder of the St Ives Foodbank established in 2012, paints a sobering picture. Despite the town’s beauty and booming tourist trade, many long-term residents face chronic poverty and food insecurity. With affordable housing scarce and rent prices soaring – a single-bedroom flat can cost £850 per month – many locals have no choice but to depend on foodbanks and social assistance.
The foodbank sees over 180 individuals weekly, rising to 240 during the holidays, supplying vital staples like baked beans, pasta, and long-life milk. Much of the demand stems from two main housing estates atop the hill, where residents endure low wages, seasonal employment, and increasing energy bills. Approximately half of the clients are disabled or unable to work, while many others are employed yet still face financial strain.
READ MORE: Yeovil Town Owners Address Fans with Open Letter on Transfers, Pre-Season, and Huish Park Future
READ MORE: Shopkeeper Closes Shop After Taking Just £4.50 in a Day
St Ives made headlines with pioneering policies to curb second home ownership, including a 100% council tax premium on such properties. While this aims to address local affordability, the unintended consequence has been to drive some second homeowners to sell, causing shifts in the rental market and reducing seasonal job opportunities, further pressuring local households.
The foodbank recently relocated to the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital community hub, gaining more space but incurring costly rent. Rising operational expenses, combined with increasing demand and decreasing donations, have tightened its ability to serve the community.
Partnerships with local Tesco stores and participation in national initiatives like Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign provide much-needed aid. These programs help supply food during school holidays, when children who usually receive free school meals are most vulnerable.
Though tourism brings income, much of it flows out of the town, leaving St Ives residents to confront harsh realities beneath the seaside idyll. Rev Chris reflects on the enduring nature of poverty, citing centuries-old foodbank traditions across Europe and warning that without systemic change—better wages, affordable housing, and stronger social support—the town’s struggles will only deepen.