I Googled a little, and CBS at least claims the average back-to-school budget is $564/child. Given that the article mentions "latops and iPods" as possible budget items, that's obviously skewed by wealthy parents buying luxury items. However, it's not hard to believe that you could rack up ~$100/child/year buying notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, craft supplies, and the occasional multi-year items like backpacks, rulers, etc. Not a huge burden, but something that very poor parents might skimp on, especially if they don't view education as an investment.

Given the things public schools do supply (building, utilities, staff, etc.), I don't think it's unreasonable for schools to offer an annual packet of those types of items free of charge to students who qualify for free/reduced lunches, etc. No sense compounding the effects of poverty on their education when the necessities are inexpensive.

CBS article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/30/business/main3221130.shtml


valguarnera@carrionfields.com