California parents are experiencing significant sticker shock as the cost of back-to-school supplies and groceries continues to rise. A basic bundle of 21 essential school supplies now averages $173.45, marking a 7.7% increase from the previous year, according to an analysis by Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation cited by Times of San Diego.
Some individual items have seen even steeper price jumps. Notebooks are up approximately 23%, notebook paper 20%, and index cards 22.2%. Lunch boxes have also increased by nearly 27%, with dry-erase markers and glue sticks costing about 8% more. Parents are also paying between 5% and 7% more for pencils, crayons, colored pencils, and binders.
These rising costs are particularly burdensome for households with multiple children and those already grappling with high rents, increasing utility bills, and the general rise in the cost of everyday necessities. Factors contributing to these price hikes include higher manufacturing costs, inflation, and surging prices for imported goods, as many of these items are produced overseas.
"Everything goes up but the paycheck," said Mark Davis, a father of five from San Diego. "I have to pay for gas, rent, bills, and food [for all of us]. It’s a struggle day-to-day, but you gotta get up and make it."
Davis was among families who received assistance at a back-to-school event in Encanto organized by California state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson. The event aimed to connect families with resources ahead of the San Diego Unified School District's return to classes on Monday, August 12. "I know the cuts that are coming as a result of some of the legislation, and it’s important for people to know where they can go if certain things are no longer accessible for them," Pierson stated.
Food costs are another significant concern for families in San Diego County. Officials estimate that over 93,000 individuals will lose their CalFresh benefits this year. The county has implemented a Safety Net Bridge program, which includes food assistance, with families receiving groceries at distribution events.
Jose Miranda, a father of four whose family relies on multiple sources of aid, explained that making ends meet requires both him and his wife to work. "Just making minimum wage both [me and my wife] gotta work. We find different resources by calling 2-1-1, and sometimes we gotta find activities like this," Miranda told the outlet. The county plans to continue food distributions and provide funding for health care services through the fall.
Many Southern California and major urban school districts, including LAUSD and ABC Unified, were scheduled to begin classes on Monday, August 12.