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 unsure of the 'inflated' bit.
'hard-up network initially claims computer' is the wordplay.
'hard-up' becomes 'poor' (I've seen this before).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'claims' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'computer' becomes 'PC' (personal computer).
The first letter of 'network' is 'n'.
'poor'+'n'='poorn'
'poorn' enclosing '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?" .)