Rising Costs of School Supplies Add Financial Strain on U.S. Families
The cost of school supplies in the U.S. has increased by 7.7% this year, with parents spending an average of $173.45 on essential items. This rise is attributed to factors such as tariffs and increased fuel costs, which affect the price of goods like lunchboxes, notebooks, and pencils. Additionally, school lunch essentials have seen an 11% price hike, further straining family budgets. The Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation highlight that these increases are particularly burdensome for women, who often manage household purchases. 
