FOOD INSECURITY
Food insecurity is down, but Providers users are spending more to meet their basic needs.
The share of surveyed users running low or going without everyday essentials, including food, fell by 6%.
The percentage of users who reported skipping meals, eating less, visiting food pantries, and running out of food all dropped from February to March.
But nearly 60% of surveyed users are spending more than $100 beyond benefits on food—a 3% increase from last month.
“I got a raise in disability benefits in January. All of that will go towards groceries.” - Kris, MI
FINANCIAL INSECURITY
Users have more money on hand–due in part to tax refunds.
The share of users in possession of less than $25 and the share of users who believe the money they currently have on hand will only last 1-2 days decreased by 10%.
“I’m using my tax refund to prepare for the end of emergency SNAP allotments and hoping it lasts until inflation goes away.” - Providers user, OR
“When I get my tax refund, I try to help out when I can. I have purchased food for friends and loaned money to friends.” - Providers user, NC
Users who have received tax refunds are driving down measures of extreme financial hardship.
“I received my taxes and paid off loans with the whole check.” - Emilia, TX
HOUSING
Housing insecurity recovered after consecutive months of rising shelter stays and housing instability.
Reported shelter stays fell by 25% to 4.5% of surveyed users—the lowest level since June 2022.
The share of users in unstable housing fell by 5%.
Overall eviction rates among surveyed users fell by 14%.
Over 47% of users have paid their March rent on-time, a 6% increase from the previous month.