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Back-to-School Costs Squeeze Nearly Half of Montanans
Families are projected to spend more than $43 billion on school supplies as prices rise and basics disappear from shelves, the National Retail Federation said.
- On Monday, August 10, 2026, parents faced two primary back-to-school challenges: rising costs and empty store shelves. Retailers struggle to stock basic items like glue sticks and composition books as families rush to finish shopping.
- The Century Foundation reports school supply costs are 10.7% higher than in 2025, attributing surges to the Trump administration's tariffs and oil price shocks from the war with Iran. These factors have driven up prices on essential consumer goods.
- Families are projected to spend more than $43 billion on K-12 school supplies this year, per the National Retail Federation. A typical basket costs $175 per student, with lunch box prices surging 26.8% to $18.91.
- Community organizations like United Way and the Granite Education Foundation are hosting donation drives, including 'Stuff the Bus' events. Andrew Conkel, president and CEO of United Way of Yellowstone County, notes teachers spend $500 to $900 of their own money on supplies.
- Conkel notes the financial crunch affects nearly half the population struggling with back-to-school expenses. Families increasingly rely on online shopping and community giveaways to manage costs as local inventory sells out.
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Back-to-school shoppers face higher prices, picked-over shelves as classes resume
Families racing to finish back-to-school shopping say they’re struggling to find common supplies like glue sticks and notebooks and paying more when they do, as spending is projected to hit a record $43 billion.
·Orlando, United States
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As food costs continue to rise, properly feeding its children with a balanced lunch during the school year is part of the economic puzzle. Like many parents in Quebec, I am fed up with the daily chore of lunch bags. Delegate to canteens and school caterers, this stress disappears. But at what price does this peace of mind pay? I have analysed the prices of meals offered in some of the Quebec schools by comparing them with the cost of typical foo…
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
11%
C 89%
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