Back-to-School Sticker Shock Is Hitting Lubbock Families Hard This Year

If it feels like back-to-school shopping is costing more every year, you're not imagining things.

Whether you're loading up a cart at Walmart, Target, United Supermarkets, or grabbing those last-minute supplies around Lubbock, families are finding that everything from backpacks to sandwich bags seems to cost a little more than it did last year.

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According to a new report from Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation, the average family will spend nearly $4,000 per child during the 2026-2027 school year. That's an 11% jump over last year, making this one of the most expensive back-to-school seasons in recent memory.

Back to School chalk

Those Little Purchases Add Up Fast

It's easy to think a pack of pencils here or a box of crayons there isn't a big deal.

Then the list keeps growing.

Notebooks.

Binders.

Folders.

Calculators.

Lunch boxes.

Shoes.

New clothes because somebody hit another growth spurt over the summer.

Before you know it, you've spent hundreds of dollars and school hasn't even started yet!

The report also found that school supplies are expected to cost about 8% more than last year, while lunch items are climbing nearly 11%.

That means everything from juice boxes and chips to peanut butter and fruit snacks is putting even more pressure on family budgets.

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Lubbock Families Know the Feeling

Here in Lubbock, plenty of parents are already juggling rising grocery bills, higher gas prices, utility costs during another hot West Texas summer, and preparing kids for a brand-new school year.

It's one reason local organizations and businesses continue stepping up to help.

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Over the past several weeks I've covered community efforts like The United Family's annual School Supply Drive, where shoppers at United Supermarkets, Market Street, and Amigos could donate at checkout to help local students start the school year with the supplies they need. Programs like that become even more important when everyday necessities keep getting more expensive.

Many churches, nonprofits, and school districts around the Hub City also host backpack giveaways and supply drives every summer, helping ease the burden for families who need a little extra assistance.

A Little Planning Can Go a Long Way

If you're still shopping for the new school year, experts recommend comparing prices, watching weekly sales, taking advantage of tax-free shopping opportunities when available, and buying only what's on your child's required supply list before picking up extras.

It might not completely eliminate the sticker shock, but every dollar saved is another dollar that can stay in your family's pocket.

people walking on gray concrete road during daytime

Here's Wishing Everyone a Great School Year

The first day of school is exciting for kids, teachers, and parents alike...even if the checkout total isn't.

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Here's hoping every student in Lubbock heads back to class with fresh supplies, plenty of confidence, and a backpack that's a little lighter than the receipt their parents had to pay for it.