SEPTEMBER 2020
Five impacts COVID-19 is having on low-income Americans
Fresh EBT is a free mobile app that helps over 4 million low-income families manage their SNAP benefits. Through the app, users can access daily savings, income-eligible programs, and local employment opportunities, all available from partner organizations.
Conducting monthly surveys
Undeniably, the COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating impact on low-income Americans. To understand how the circumstances in the lives of Fresh EBT users are changing, we have been conducting surveys each month. In sharing the key insights below, we hope that individuals, organizations, and businesses will better understand the changing needs and realities of low-income families and step up for those in need.
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September 2020 key findings
The following insights come from a 6-minute multiple choice and open response survey conducted by Fresh EBT to a random sample of 2,865 Fresh EBT users from September 1 - 14, 2020.
INSIGHT 01
There is no slack and households are being forced into extreme measures to get through the month.
Source: Random sample of Fresh EBT users
57%
reported having to borrow money or use credit to pay for everyday expenses.
76%
report not having what they need at home (like food, household products, cleaning supplies).
56%
of respondents had less than $25 at time of taking the survey.
I have had to borrow money from relatives to make ends meet. I have also had to pawn items to pay bills such as my car...and gas for my car so I can continue to work.
Fresh EBT user
INSIGHT 02
If Fresh EBT users could get help with one thing, they want help with rent.
Source: Random sample of Fresh EBT users
We asked users to pick one area of support that would be the most useful during the pandemic.
75.8%
report that the pandemic has caused them to fall behind on rent, mortgage or utilities.
80%
used stimulus payments to cover rent or bills.
[The $600 federal supplement] was a god send. It literally made it somewhat possible to get by and pay our bills and be able to provide our child with school uniforms and other necessities. When it ended we were evicted & were able to barely borrow enough to get into a new place and then Hurricane Laura hit and our lives & financial situation went from bad to worse… We are now bouncing between the only shelter available, family & hotels when we’re able to get enough funds together… My 5 year old is starting to develop anxiety related issues And other noticeable psychological damage from the constant stress and uncertainty.
Fresh EBT user
INSIGHT 03
Households have given and received support from friends and family.
Source: Random sample of Fresh EBT users
We emptied our savings account to help my family.
Tamara J., California
INSIGHT 04
Federal interventions made a difference, but are running out.
Source: Random sample of Fresh EBT users
Families who got P-EBT
Families who did not get P-EBT
Households who got extra SNAP
Households who did not get extra SNAP
We need more food stamps to feed our kids that’s what I worry about we run out of food and pantry’s only help once a month and they hardly have anything to give.
Rebecca L., West Virginia
INSIGHT 05
Racial disparities continue to be exposed and exacerbated.
Source: Random sample of Fresh EBT users
