Southeast Minnesota Faces Need for Over 4,000 Backpacks for Schoolchildren

More than 4,000 students in Southeast Minnesota are expected to require assistance with school supplies for the 2026‑2027 academic year, up from about 3,600 the previous year. The United Way of Southeast Minnesota’s Running Start for School program, operating since 1998, provides backpacks and essential items to families in the Rochester and Olmsted County area.

Average household spending on back‑to‑school needs exceeds $800, adding pressure to families already struggling with food and bills. Some parents have reduced essential purchases to afford backpacks, notebooks, clothing and electronics. The United Way’s initiative aims to ensure every child begins the school year with the necessary supplies, relying on community donations and volunteer support.