It’s hard to believe that the first day of school is in less than a month, which means the clock is ticking to get everything you need for going back to school. The price of absolutely everything seems astronomical these days, so we figured you might appreciate this handy back-to-school savings guide.
School supplies
The great thing about living in New York City is that there are back-to-school events all across the city in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. Many of these events give out free supplies like bookbags, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more. However, it’s not always easy to find out about them from one single source. So here are some helpful tips on how to find information on upcoming school supply giveaways in NYC:
School districts: Make sure you are signed up for your local school district’s mailing list, as they often email weekly newsletters with local event flyers.
Council members: check the social media pages of your local council members. Many host supply giveaways in their district.
Business Improvement Districts (BID): many of NYC’s local businesses are part of a BID. These BIDs often host back-to-school events with supply giveaways sponsored by stores in the area. Check your local BID’s social media pages for flyers.
Malls: Your local mall often hosts back-to-school events with supply giveaways, like the Mall at Bay Plaza and the Queens Center Mall.
Facebook: Many organizations post their back-to-school events on Facebook. Search terms like “back to school event” or “school supply giveaway” and search upcoming events that are in your area. Additionally, neighborhood groups, mom groups, and local community board groups on Facebook typically share flyers for events happening in the community.
Technology
Access to technology has become just as important as school supplies. Thankfully, there are quite a few programs that can assist families who qualify by giving them free and discounted internet services.
TMobile’s Project 10Million program offers eligible families a free 4G wireless hotspot device with 100GB of high-speed data annually, free for five years.
Hoop Wireless offers a tablet with 10GB of high-speed data per month for those who qualify.
Optimum, Spectrum, and Verizon also offer discounted internet service for those who qualify.
Clothing
Clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt from New York City and NY State sales tax, but we all know how expensive clothes and sneakers are these days- especially if you have multiple children. Here are some tips on saving while shopping for back-to-school clothes
Buy now, pay later: Thanks to interest-free sites like Klarna and Afterpay, you can purchase back-to-school clothes from participating retailers and pay over time.
Thrifting: With 90’s fashion back, and the 60’s said to be in style for fall 2024, hitting up thrift stores can be a great way to find vintage pieces (I know, I can’t believe the 90’s is considered vintage). And the best part is you don’t have to worry about showing up to school in the same outfit as anyone. Tip: Thrift stores in other states like New Jersey and Connecticut tend to have much better price tags than in the city.
Uniforms: Some schools host clothing drives where families donate gently used uniforms that students have outgrown. If your child’s school or PTA have a Facebook group, parents often post free uniforms they’d like to donate to someone in need.
Sales and price matching: August is a big month for back-to-school sales at various clothing stores. Be sure to check online before paying full price in-store. And, some stores will price match both in-store and online competitors’ prices, so be sure to look up prices for your purchases when purchasing in-store.
Transportation
A single ride on the subway or bus is $2.90, which is almost $60 a week if you’re taking public transportation to drop your children off and pick them up each day. So make sure you are taking advantage of any discounts or free rides to help save on your daily commute.
Some New Yorkers are eligible for reduced fares. The Fair fares program allows people with low income to receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares.
As we mentioned, students will be receiving OMNY cards for the upcoming 2024-25 school year that will be good seven days a week, year round. If you commute with your child, be sure they’ve received their card so that you’re not paying out of pocket.
Meals
Fortunately, school lunch has been free for all students since the 2017-2018 school year. Breakfast and after-school meals are also free for all NYC students. However, the cost of food can still make it difficult for families to afford to put food on the table.
SNAP benefits: Around 87% of New Yorkers who are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition benefits use them. You may be eligible for some benefits, so be sure to check the income guidelines and apply.
The city also has a list of food pantries across the city where you can have access to various food items.
There are also community fridges located around the city that are stocked with free food for the taking. NYC Fridge does their best to keep an accurate map with a list of fridges in each borough- there is even a feature where people who have recently visited a fridge can leave notes and photos letting others know the status of the fridge. Many fridges also have a social media page where they share recent donations.
Check out more of our educational coverage here.
