September brings the back to school season to New Brunswick. Pencils, paper and erasers fly off the shelves as families shop for supplies. But the rising costs put a heavy burden on parents. According to a recent report from CBC News, local charities face overwhelming demand as families struggle to afford basic classroom necessities.

The Financial Burden on Families

In New Brunswick, school districts allow individual schools to set their own supply lists. This creates wildly different expectations depending on the school and grade level. Most parents must navigate these lists and purchase items themselves. When you add up new sneakers, a backpack and a laptop for high school students, the total easily reaches into the hundreds of dollars.

Sherry Strang is a Moncton mother of two boys. She spent a significant amount this year. “At least $700, for sure,” Strang told CBC. “And I only bought the basics this year.”

Christina Robichaud faces similar bills for her child entering Grade 11. She notes that electronics push the total near $1,000. “When it all adds up, it is actually pretty significant at one time,” Robichaud said. “Because you cannot wait, right? It is expected to show up on Day 1.”

Charities Overwhelmed by Demand

The high costs force many families to seek help. Amanda Pooley founded the non profit What Kids Need Moncton. She says the cumulative expenses overwhelm parents.

“They cannot even afford to shop at a second hand store because the amount of stuff that they would have to buy,” Pooley explained. “It just adds up to too high of an amount.”

Her organization gave away 171 backpacks filled with grade appropriate supplies on August 23. The stock took months to collect. It ran out in less than an hour. Pooley described the heartbreaking scene of turning away a long line of parents waiting down the street.

“Now they are stuck without those supplies and those children will be going to school without a backpack and a lunch bag,” she said.

The Bulk Buying Debate

Many parents believe schools should buy supplies in bulk to save money. Pooley and Robichaud both support this idea. They argue that bulk purchasing ensures every child has what they need at a lower price point.

The Anglophone East School District runs a fundraiser to buy some supplies in bulk. However, they lack the funds to purchase enough for every student. Luc Malenfant is the community engagement coordinator for the district. He says the bulk savings are not actually that significant. The district hopes to provide 10 backpacks to each of its 39 schools. School administrators will decide which students receive them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do school supplies cost in New Brunswick?

Parents report spending between $700 and $1,000 per student when including backpacks, shoes and electronics.

Do schools provide supplies for students?

Most schools require parents to purchase supplies based on specific lists. Some districts provide a limited number of donated backpacks for students in need.

Why do schools avoid buying supplies in bulk?

School district officials state that bulk savings are not significant enough to cover the costs for the entire student body.