You might be curious about why the main way we support families experiencing poverty is to give people supermarket vouchers.

Here, we outline the benefits of voucher schemes, drawing on relevant research to highlight their impact.

In the fight against poverty, the way support is given can be just as important as the support itself. Traditional approaches, such as donations of goods, have long been a staple in helping those in need. Emerging evidence suggests however, that voucher schemes can offer a more empowering solution.

Voucher schemes empower service users by giving them the autonomy to choose what they need most. This approach respects the dignity of individuals, allowing them to make choices that best suit their unique circumstances. According to a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, enabling people to make their own purchasing decisions helps maintain a sense of control and dignity, which can be eroded by receiving donated goods (JRF, 2020).

One of the significant limitations of donations of goods is the lack of flexibility. Donated goods may not always meet the specific needs or preferences of recipients. Voucher schemes, on the other hand, provide the flexibility to purchase what is most needed, whether it’s food, toiletries, or other essentials.

“Supporting people with vouchers or just giving them cash is increasingly recognised as a better way of helping them than handing out stuff. Giving people choice recognises their ability to make decisions, and restores a bit of dignity to what can otherwise be a fairly demeaning process.” Duncan Green, Professor at London School of Economics and author of “From Poverty to Power”.

“The vouchers mean I can choose food that my baby will eat and the type of nappies that suit him.’Witney Baby Bank Service User.

Voucher schemes are often more time and cost-effective than donations of goods. The logistics involved in collecting, sorting, storing, and distributing goods can be complex. Vouchers reduce these overheads, allowing more of the support to reach those in need. Direct financial assistance, such as vouchers, minimises administrative time and maximises the impact of the support provided.

Donations of goods can sometimes lead to waste if the items are unsuitable for recipients or exceed their needs. Vouchers eliminate this issue by allowing recipients to purchase exactly what they need. This targeted approach reduces waste and ensures that resources are used more efficiently. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has found that voucher schemes result in better allocation of resources and lower wastage rates compared to goods donations (NIESR, 2020).

Joint research between the Trussell Trust and The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) found that “when individuals in need can shop for themselves, they generally purchase healthier products than the ones provided by the foodbank… we see that individuals prefer fresh produce (meat and vegetables) to the processed food they received from the food bank.”.

Receiving vouchers instead of donated goods can have positive psychological effects. The ability to shop for yourself and make personal choices can improve mental well-being and social integration. The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reports that families who receive vouchers often experience less stigma and greater social inclusion compared to those who rely on food banks or other goods-based charities (CPAG, 2019).

“The vouchers are nice as my neighbours are nosey and I feel uncomfortable with deliveries coming to the door” Witney Baby Bank Service User.

While donations of goods have their place, voucher schemes present an empowering alternative for poverty alleviation in the UK. By providing flexibility and choice, empowering recipients, operating more efficiently, allowing for healthier food choices and reducing waste, voucher schemes offer a dignified and efficient way to support those experiencing financial hardship.

By embracing voucher schemes, we can create a supportive and respectful environment for those experiencing poverty, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Sources

• Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2020). Stigma, Power and Poverty. Retrieved from JRF Website
• National Institute of Economic and Social Research (2020). Nudging Towards Healthy Eating Retrieved from NIESR Website
• Child Poverty Action Group (2019). The impact of universal credit on child poverty. Retrieved from CPAG Website

Links

• 1. https://www.jrf.org.uk/stigma-power-and-poverty/how-we-can-flush-out-poverty-stigma-from-our-systems-and-services
• 5. https://www.niesr.ac.uk/blog/nudging-towards-healthy-eating
• 6. https://cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/CPAG-Poverty-177-building-cash-first-momentum.pdf?_gl=1*1aeaxlm*_gcl_au*MTgwMjc3ODE5Mi4xNzIxMDc0ODQ4