Mid-Missouri organizations help with school supplies as inflation stretches household budgets
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
School is right around the corner which means many families will be looking for deals as rising inflation continues to hit people's pockets.
According to Morning Consult, shoppers are less excited about the school year -- 37% of parents say they feel stressed out about school shopping, which is up 32% from last year. And just 36% of parents in the U.S. survey say they can afford their kid's back-to-school shopping, down from 52% last year.
"It's pretty tough so yeah … it's a lot of money, man. It's just like I'm pretty sure there's a lot of people out here who can give their opinion about this and they'll tell you as well", Columbia resident Byron Raudales said of the economic conditions for some families.
And even teachers in Mid-Missouri say people are going to be spending a lot more money this year --especially if they wait too long and miss out on deals.
"You have to go and get the deals or you're gonna suffer, you're gonna have to pay a lot more", said Columbia resident Lisa Gioimo.
Many parents are seeking discounts or other help this year. The Morning Consult survey reports that 82% of shoppers say they'll take advantage of sale shopping on Amazon Prime Day, state tax holidays or Labor Day sales.
In Missouri-- there are multiple organizations looking to help families for free.
- The Voluntary Action Center will be giving out backpacks, health screenings and school supplies Saturday at Derby Ridge Elementary.
- Rock the Community will give out backpacks and supplies Saturday at Douglass Park.
- Open Door Church will host a Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday with free school supplies.
- Price's Branch Christian Church in Montgomery City will give out supplies at its back-to-school party Saturday.
"Kids need things all the time so I think giving back to the community is always a good thing, whether it's inflation or not. We should always try to give back to make sure kids get what they need to learn …to be productive," said Rock the Community assistant director Rodney March.
