Report

Propel Household Pulse Survey: April 2023

The following insights come from a 10-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Propel to a random sample of 5,563 of over 5M Propel users from April 1 - April 14, 2023. All respondents are EBT cardholders.

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FOOD INSECURITY

Propel users are experiencing record levels of food insecurity.

  • The share of surveyed users that skipped meals in the last month rose 42% to over 40% of respondents overall.
  • Half of surveyed users said they had eaten less in March than in February – a 57% month-to-month increase.
  • Over 30% of respondents are relying at least in part on food pantries – levels not seen since January 2021.
“It helped us tremendously when we received extra benefits for food. But now that they’ve stopped, we will definitely have to fill in with food distribution places.” - Jean, MI
  • 44% of respondents cannot afford to buy the types of food they want
“I’m struggling to meet my nutritional needs since I have to budget my grocery bill and am unable to afford to eat healthy.” - Walter, IN
FINANCIAL INSECURITY

An all-time high of Propel users reported experiencing extreme financial hardship after covering essential bills.

  • The share of respondents in possession of less than $25 rose by 20% to over 61% of overall surveyed users.
  • Half of surveyed users reported owing credit card debt at the time of taking the survey – a 20% increase from March.
  • Respondents who have received tax refunds this year report putting them toward bills (70%), household essentials (45%), and food (44%).
“Others have helped me with my rent, food, utilities, and essential needs. It’s depressing that I can’t afford to keep up with any of my bills. I don’t have money for anything.” - Propel user, MD
  • Users owing on household bills such as rent or mortgage and utility bills decreased by 32% and 37% respectively.
HOUSING

Housing insecurity is on the rise again as Propel users are struggling to meet other basic needs.

  • The share of surveyed users in unstable housing reached a new all-time high of nearly 16% – a 24% increase from March.
  • Around 5% of respondents reported staying in a shelter at least once in the last month, up from 4.5% last month.
  • Nearly 9% of surveyed users reported having their utilities shut off in the last month – a 26% increase from March.
“I have been depending on my father for shelter and staying in his trailer. He's expecting me to pay for electricity but I don't have enough money leftover after I pay my bills and credit card debt and also pay for food and other necessities.” - Cory, TX