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For families across our area, getting children ready for a new school year can mean a significant hit to the household budget.
The biggest expenses include school supplies, clothing, footwear, backpacks, lunch food and, for some families, technology.
A recent national survey found 40 per cent of parents expect to spend more on back-to-school shopping this year, while 67 per cent say inflation will have a greater impact on their spending than last year.
For local parents, the challenge isn’t just the price of supplies.
Growing children may need new shoes and clothing, while the cost of groceries also adds to the ongoing expense of packing lunches and snacks.
Sarah Cavanagh of Carleton Place notes that thrifting is a major tactic for her household that includes three school-age children.
Cavanagh notes that there are some great thrift shops in the area.
Thrift shops and community organizations are also reminding families that help is available when costs become difficult to manage. Local donation and backpack programs have provided school supplies to Lanark County families in the past. Cavanagh says the online community can also be a great resource.
With classes set to resume, families are being encouraged to shop early, reuse supplies where possible and take advantage of local programs designed to help make the return to school a little easier.
Listen to our complete conversation with Sarah Cavanagh below.
Story by Brian Turner
