California families face rising back-to-school costs

California families are facing rising costs for back-to-school essentials, with a basket of 21 common school supplies averaging $173.45. This represents a 7.7% increase from 2023, according to an analysis by Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation.

Specific items have seen significant price hikes: notebooks have increased by approximately 23%, notebook paper by 20%, index cards by 22.2%, and lunch boxes by nearly 27%. Other items like pencils, crayons, and binders have also risen by 5% to 7%. Analysts attribute these increases to a combination of inflation, higher manufacturing costs, and rising prices for imported goods.

These expenses are compounding existing financial pressures for many households, including high rent and utility bills. In San Diego County, the situation is further strained by food insecurity concerns; officials estimate more than 93,000 people will lose CalFresh benefits this year. Local assistance events have been organized to provide supplies and food to families in need.