Back-to-school shopping means hitting the stores for notebooks, pencils, backpacks, binders, rulers, calculators, and more. And for cash-strapped shoppers, the prices can add up quickly, putting a dent in parents’ pockets.
Adding to the financial pressures many face are concerns over rising inflation and President Donald Trump’s tariff plans.
In an Intuit Credit Karma survey of parents, Newsweek reports that 39% of those with school-age children said they can’t afford back-to-school shopping. This is an increase of 8% year-over-year.
Many basic school supplies are running 20% higher post-pandemic, and backpacks are even higher at 30%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index.
To cover costs, which can range from $50-$100 for elementary students to over $200 for middle and high school students, 44% of respondents in the Intuit Credit Karma survey said they will use debt to cover their school supply expenses. This figure is up from 34% in 2024.
To ease the budget burden on parents in Atlanta, celebs like Grammy Award winner Lil Baby have stepped up.
The West End native hosted his fifth annual Back to School Fest, presented by his nonprofit The Jones Project at West End Production Park over the weekend. The event drew 4,000 people to get backpacks, uniforms, school supplies, wellness kits, shoes, and exclusive Fanatics-branded gear, The Atlanta Voice reported.
“It means a lot to be able to come back and give back, because I know so much comes behind not having shoes and school utensils and stuff for school—because that be a lot of kids’ reason to steer off,” Lil Baby told The Atlanta Voice.
Families can visit these locations offering free back-to-school supplies to help kids start the year with confidence.
JULY 30
Cobb County Back-to-School Event
Get free backpacks, car seat checks, and other family resources from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Epicenter, 135 Riverside Parkway, Austell.
AUG. 2
Atlanta Public Schools Back-to-School Festival
Free school supplies will be available while they last from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium, Lakewood Ave. SE, Atlanta. APS families must register online using their student ID number to attend.
United Church Back-to-School Bash
Get free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and basic health screenings from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at United Church, 1775 Water Place, Atlanta. RSVP required.
AUG. 3
At this fair, parents can get free school supplies while enjoying fun activities from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Quality Solutions Global, 4033 Louise St., Powder Springs. You must have a ticket to attend.
AUG. 9
Back-to-the-Books School Supply Giveaway
Offering free school supplies, music, games and face painting at this event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eastside Boxing Gym, 3630 Hewitt Court SW, Snellville. You must have a ticket to attend.
In The Layne Back-2-School Giveaway
This event offers free school supplies, bounce houses, water games, and food, from 2:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grace Church, 675 Holt Road NE, Marietta. You must have a ticket to attend.
AUG. 16
End of Summer Bash: Back-to-School Finale
Get free school supplies from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mozley Park, 1565 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta. You must have a ticket to attend.
Need more options to free school supplies in your area? United Way of Greater Atlanta offers a zip-code locator on their site for residents to find giveaways close to their neighborhoods.
