Families burdened with back-to-school shopping: Five tips to cut costs

World Vision provides back-to-school support to educators and families in need across the U.S.

Seattle, Wash. August 17, 2010 – According to new research released by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, over 30 percent of teachers spent less on both school supplies and instructional materials in the 2009-2010 school year than the previous year. Teachers and schools alike can no longer afford to purchase classroom necessities that will give children the equal opportunity to learn. Budgets are tightening at every level, increasing the burden on low-income families to provide the essentials for their children, such as pens, pencils, binders and even reams of paper for use in school printers.

In states such as Illinois and Virginia, governments are giving families a break by eliminating state sales taxes on all school supplies and clothing on select dates in August. “Back-to-school shopping is putting a strain on many families’ budgets, which is where World Vision’s domestic operations provide much-needed support,” said Romanita Hairston, vice president, World Vision U.S. Programs. “State tax cuts are definitely helpful, though families can look to organizations like World Vision for help as well.”

International relief organization World Vision has domestic operations in Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Twin Cities, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Dallas to provide support to educators and children alike. These sites will be distributing about 400,000 backpacks to children in need across the U.S.

The non-profit offers several tips for families to cut costs on back-to-school supplies:

Become an avid coupon cutter – especially online. Mobile devices and the Internet make it easier than ever to locate discounts and coupons quickly. A recent survey by consulting firm Deloitte showed that 29 percent of people surveyed plan to use mobile phones to check prices, look at advertisements and get coupons, discounts and sale information.*

Value the dollar. Stop by the local dollar store to take advantage of their selection of low-cost school supplies.

Research local non-profit organizations. Local organizations like World Vision often host backpack distributions to provide supplies to families in need.

Search your household. Take a supplies inventory or have a fun scavenger hunt of your home before hitting the stores. It may be surprising to find many left over pens, pencils and notebooks lying around.

Stick to the list. Most teachers provide school supplies lists, and many students often come to the classroom with unnecessary materials.

In addition to increased costs for families, the back-to-school season can also be costly for teachers. World Vision offers teachers from qualifying schools the opportunity to “shop” free for much-needed basic school supplies for their classrooms through its Teacher Resource Centers, which provides at least $12 million (retail value) in supplies to over 50,000 teachers nationally.

*Source: http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/Insights/browse-by-role/media-role/1062f1d19a31a210VgnVCM200000bb42f00aRCRD.htm

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org/press.