November 2024 Pulse Survey

The following insights come from a <10-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Propel. This month, responses came from 2,267 randomly selected households out of over 5M Propel users from November 1 - 14, 2024. All respondents are EBT cardholders.

FOOD INSECURITY

High food costs continue to weigh heavily on household budgets nationwide. Visits to food pantries hit an all-time high for respondents, almost half of whom say they are limited in their food choices. Though respondents are less reliant on friends and family than they were a year ago, it could be that high food costs are also limiting those individuals’ ability to help others.

• 35% reported visiting a food pantry in November, a 9% increase from last November and the highest percentage since the survey began in early 2023.
• 46% said they were not able to buy the kinds of food they wanted in November, marking nine months where this percentage went up.
• 30% relied on family and friends for groceries, a 7% decrease from last November.

“Rent and electricity are the worst of my bills along with food. I'm diabetic so skipping a meal keeps my sugar low. So I have reverted to that way of making my food last.” – Severa, OR

HOUSING INSECURITY

Housing security among respondents appears to be gradually improving, but that good news is tempered by the increasing percentage of respondents who struggle to pay their housing and utility bills.

• 11.5% reported having unstable housing in November, a 9% decrease from August and the lowest percentage since the survey began.
• 65% said they were “very certain” they will maintain their current housing in the next 30 days, a 5% increase from August and the highest percentage since the survey began.
• 10% had their utilities shut off in the past 30 days, a 6% increase from August.
• 15% did not pay the full amount of their rent or mortgage, a 13% increase from August.
• 17% paid their rent or mortgage late, a 6% increase from August.

“My mother is on section 8 and food stamps she makes more than me and I can’t get approved. My mother and I help each other out and I’ve been helped by other family as well my family and I struggle for food because we have to pay for our housing with little money and have nothing left over for food or essentials.” – Jessica, MS

FINANCIAL INSECURITY

Household budgets remained tight this year, with many respondents reporting an inability to purchase essential items and only modest cash reserves on hand.

• 92% have less than $250 in cash on hand in November, only 5% better on average than this time last year. 8% have more than $250 on hand but this group decreased by 17% on average compared to last year.
• 60% of respondents who are parents with children under 18 reported not having everything they typically need in their home, compared to 54% of non-parent households.

“Food pantry and soap pantry. Went to a clothing bank for my kids. The school has sent home clothes and household supplies.” – Brandi, PA

BORROWING & DEBT

Households in our survey continue to borrow and add debt in order to keep pace with rising costs.

• 12% reported taking out a payday loan or pawnshop loan in the last 30 days to cover expenses.
• 9% received charitable funds in the last 30 days, a 12% increase from August.
• 4% received a salary advance in the last 30 days, a 16% increase from August.

“I’ve had to borrow money or loan out money from my family to make ends meet. Things have been difficult lately due to a work injury but I’m doing amazing with the cards I’ve been dealt.” – Alyssa, NJ