by The school supplies on the rising sixth graders’ shopping lists were typical. Notebooks for Naylee Flores. Pencils for Sebastian Rubio.
The students’ mothers expressed concern about costs, and they are not alone.
A
NerdWallet survey
showed that 56% of K-12 and post-secondary parents find back-to-school shopping financially stressful.
Credit Karma found
that 39% of K-12 parents say they cannot afford the supplies.
Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows that producers’ prices — a common indicator of inflation — for pencils and art supplies are up from 2024.
Mothers Gaby Flores and Anna Rubio accompanied their children in aisles lined with colorful backpacks, folders and crayons at Renaissance Square’s Walmart Tuesday.
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Flores also has a rising fourth grader and a toddler. She compares brands to save money.
“It’s more expensive now than in other years,” she said.
Rubio, who has a rising fourth grader and prekindergartener in addition to her sixth grader, said she will buy items elsewhere if she can find them for a lower price.
Still, school supplies are an essential buy for families.
“Last year was a little crazy, but it had to be done,” Rubio said. “If they need it, we got to do what we can to provide it for them.”
Where families in need can find free school supplies
Back to School Party for youth in foster care
— Children in foster care can receive free supplies at this Aug. 1 event hosted by CASA of Tarrant County, Our Community Our Kids and the Gladney Center for Adoption. Preregistration is required.
Fort Worth ISD Community Resource Fair
— At this Aug. 2 event by United Way of Tarrant County, students can receive free school supplies, books and backpacks.
Arlington ISD Back to School Kickoff
— Students can receive a free backpack and school supplies at this Aug. 2 event at AT&T Stadium. They must be registered at an Arlington ISD school and can sign up for the event
here
.
Back to School Roundup
— Eligible families can receive free supplies and other services at this event Aug. 8 at Tarrant County College South Campus.
Eastside YMCA Back to School Bash
— This Aug. 9 event will include a backpack and school supply giveaway courtesy of the Why Not You Foundation and the 7-Eleven Network of Black Professionals.
Consumer Reports recommends
shoppers looking to save money start early, compare prices, shop sales and take advantage of student discounts.
Families can shop for clothing, school supplies and backpacks tax-free Aug. 8-10 as part of the state’s annual
sales tax holiday
. Items must be priced below $100 to qualify.
Rubio usually waits until the last minute to shop for school supplies. This year, however, she started early to avoid stores running out of items her children need.
“I’m not ready for it. I’m never ready for it,” she said, with a laugh.
McKinnon Rice is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at [email protected].
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