Hard-up network initially claims computer inflated fare (7)
I believe the answer is:
popcorn
'inflated fare' is the definition.
'popcorn' can be an answer for 'fare' (popcorn is a kind of food). I am not sure about the 'inflated' bit.
'hard-up network initially claims computer' is the wordplay.
'hard-up' becomes 'poor' (I've seen this before).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'claims' indicates putting letters inside.
'computer' becomes 'PC' (personal computer).
The first letter of 'network' is 'n'.
'poor'+'n'='poorn'
'poorn' placed around 'pc' is 'POPCORN'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for popcorn that I've seen before include "Exploded maize" , "Kernels that swell and burst with heat" , "Puffed maize" , "cinema fare" , "making a meal of it?" .)