It's back-to-school time and Brooklyn families are getting creative on how to amass their children's school supplies, clothes and uniforms.
As the cost of living remains high in New York, shopping for the new school year adds to financial concerns for many Brooklyn parents. A study by Intuit Credit Karma surveyed 1,000 parents and many respondents said back-to-school shopping caused anxiety: 39% felt they would not be able to afford new school supplies, and 44% expected to incur credit card debt. These figures are an increase from 2024, when 31% and 34% reported the same worries.
The pressure of buying a long list of supplies can prompt parents to find ways to save money. While there is budgeting and cutting back, parents like Chaim Bukhai of Sheepshead Bay have found shortcuts.
"We're going to reuse from last year," he said. "I told my wife, let's get the basic stuff and then see what happens. I think we'll be OK. This year, a lot went up."
The average family spends about $144 on school supplies, according to the National Retail Federation, which includes supplies for the whole classroom, such as toilet paper and paper towels. While $144 may not seem like much, the median household income in Brooklyn is $79,830, and the borough's poverty rate is 19%, according to the NYU Furman Center.
Many Brooklyn families who spoke to BK Reader said they were feeling the pinch.
"It's a little more expensive now because of inflation," said Mariana Hernandez of Williamsburg. "Notebooks are more than $10, and pens are $10."
Some families said they benefit from getting free supplies from giveaways sponsored by schools, local organizations and elected officials.
Brandon Graham of Brownsville said his son got a new backpack, folders, erasers and other supplies from a recent giveaway. Lisa Rallis and her two grandsons went to two events near their Bushwick home, which she said "helped tremendously."
But both Graham and Rallis still have to buy items, however. As Graham explained, "Either way, we've got to get it. It's kinda crazy."
Cleon D'Oliveira, a Crown Heights father to three charter school students, said he was able to afford new school supplies. But now, he has to get uniforms that can cost $40 each.
"Schools take advantage," D'Oliveira said. "Why can't they help? You've got to have a uniform and buy the [school] logo. They should provide the school logo."
Fort Greene's Patricia Jonathan said she accumulates new supplies throughout the year.
"This way, we don't have to do a mad dash," she explained. "When we get the list, we're like, 'We have this, this, and this..."
And then there are some residents who want to help ease the pain for stressed out parents and their children. Providencia Quiles is a retired teacher in Coney Island that shops for supplies each year to donate to a family shelter.
"I know the prices are increasing rapidly," she said, gesturing to a plastic bin filled with $150 worth of supplies. "I always donate to make sure kids have what they need to succeed."
