EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Back-to-school shoppers are expected to spend $168 more this year compared to 2019, said the National Retail Federation (NRF) on average.
NRF anticipates families will spend an average of $864, in total, on school items at a time when money is already tight.
“Groceries are all up, gas is up, water bill, electric bill, everything,” said Anne Breault from East Hartford.
As inflation rises, NRF said one-third of consumers plan to cut back on spending in other areas so they can pay for school items.
Families in East Hartford are getting some help. East Hartford Public Schools hosted a Back to School Rally Wednesday with 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to give away.
“I feel happy so much because I got my favorite color backpack,” said Praggya Thiyagarajah, who is going into 3rd grade this year.
The backpacks and school supplies were provided free of charge through donations from local businesses, organizations, and community partners.
This is the first year the annual rally is back in its full form after changes due to the pandemic.
East Hartford Public Schools students return to school on Aug. 24.
Elisha Machado is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at emachado@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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